My Professional, My Life, My Story

Daily Life: First Day of CNY 2012

2012-01-23T19:11:00.002+08:00

This year CNY is slightly different from previous year. Instead of waking up late and having a late breakfast at Macdonald, I woke up as usual (I sleep normal time despite its the holiday) and went to take my bath before 8.30am. I had to wake the rest of my brothers and get them up n ready to go for breakfast before 9.30am.

We went for breakfast at Kallang way and enjoy a nice meal with the day's newspaper to read. By the time we are done, we went to the Singapore Pools near our house to buy 4-D. Its not in my liking to buy 4-D so I did not spend any money there. My grandmother was in the house since 10am but since my relatives are not in yet, there is no cause for alarm. Its already 11.30am when we arrived back home from the 4-D shop.

The rest of the day is as usual except for the weather. This year the rain starts early and last until 7pm before it dies. I have no choice but to postpone my run to early morning tomorrow. Hopefully the weather will hope and I can go for some exercise as planned.

Daily Life: Dinner at Indonesian Restaurant

2012-01-05T23:00:00.002+08:00

Normally I go home for dinner on weekdays, dinner with friends on Sat and family dinner on Sunday. but if my friends are free on weekdays and to take a break from home-cooked food, I will go out.

On Wednesday as my friend is free, he asked me out for dinner which i agreed. We were at Paragon in Orchard and walked around. There is much restaurant in Orchard but too ex. We then walked towards lucky plaza and i commented that no Macdonald & KFC. My friend suggest going into lucky plaza to see what is available. There is Pizza hut which i say too ex still and he suggest going further into Lucky Plaza. There is a Indonesian restaurant and it looks good and affordable. We went in, ordered our food (pay first before the food comes in). I had smashed chicken while my friend has smashed catfish. We ordered a soft shell crab to share between us. The chili is good very spicy so much so that my friend cannot take it n pass his chili to me. I gladly consume my chicken and some soft shell crab. For the price (S$6.90 for either with the crab at S$1 more), it comes with the meat, fried tofu, fried bean cake and vegetables.

The ambiance is normal with good chairs. But the place is quite small so we are unable to put our bags on any chairs as the restaurant is full when we entered. If I have indonesian friends, I will recommend them to come here. Its hard to find good and affordable food in Orchard area.

Ayam Penyet Ria
304 Orchard Road #01-45 Lucky Plaza
Operate between 11am to 10pm daily (I think daily)

Daily Life: Bye bye 2011, Hi 2012

2011-12-31T22:02:00.002+08:00

As the clock ticks closer to strike 12am, I am here at home reflecting the year 2011, the danger it brought, the events that took place and the many experience gained. There are a few aspects that I am interested in: Family, Work, Finance, love life.

Family
This year see the 1st year of my youngest brother departure to Australia. For better or worse, he has settled over there and is enjoying life with his GF. He still calls home but only sparely and to my mother only. Guess have to spend a little time next year to open communication with him. This year also saw the death of one of my parental auntie. She walked the last fight with breast cancer which is a relapse 2 years before. I still have the watch she gave me before she pass away and I don't intend to wear it. Its more of a memorial item from her and i intend to keep it that way for a while. I also spend more time exercising and this year see me going to KL, Penang for half marathons. In the coming year, I will continue to do so and aim to do all half marathons when possible and have 1-2 full marathons before end of 2012. Exercise keep my weight under control and my stress level manageable.

Work
This year marks the 9th year I am with my company. Its also the year that I am heavily involved in the move from AMK to Woodlands from the IT aspect and security aspect. I am effectively running 2 sites at one time traveling between AMK n woodlands. There is much learn and though one of my team left in August which left the team shorthanded, his departure is well taken and in view of the bigger picture, a good choice as I will do the same in his shoe. Because of his departure, we employ a new IT engineer and we spend quality time with him to guide him along. So far the experience is good and i hope the relationship maintains the same in the coming year. Whether he will replace me in future, I will do within my limited powers as the unofficial HOD of the IT department to guide him as such

Finance
Towards the end of the year, I managed to clear my debt to a even more manageable level. I also embrace the lessons taught by Dennis Ng who is a millionaire. He is very down to earth in his dealings and I cannot help but admit that he has many characters which I can learn from. Moving forward 2012, I hope to volunteer my service under his charge and see how it goes. Not expecting anything in return. I also switch from trading in FX to commodities. Its a totally different playfield and though i loss a lot as a result, the rewards also are greater and more fulfilling. Its still in my master plan to have my own hedge fund in 2015. The goal is clearer now and I am working hard towards it.

Love life
This area continue to be bare by choice. I think at the end of the day, the lack of economical power to provide for the family discourage me to look for a gf or even a wife at this stage in life. Being 34 this year has not brought me any issues with being single all this while. I think I still value communication as the total most important aspect I look for in any relationship and though I have many exchanges with my account on Okcupid, they remains as friends and i hope to take things slow.

With the above notes, I stand committed to the following

1) Maintain closer relationship with my fellow team mates at work and brothers
2) Continue to pay visit to my grandparents at the memorial during my BD & Christmas
3) Work towards a own hedge funds before/on 2015
4) Run half marathons within 2 hours and full marathons within 6hrs
5) Clear one more debt before my 35th birthday in September

* By writing them down, i will know what to reflect in 2012 when its time once more to welcome 2013 (if 2012 is not equal to end of the world)

Daily Life: Christmas Eve party

2011-12-26T22:13:00.002+08:00

Normally for christmas eve, I tend not to go out as everywhere is crowded and prices too ex (high markup by seller to make a quick buck). This year is different. My friend has booked a room at City beach resort and invited me along. I decided to go as to have a different Christmas eve.

Earlier in the day it was raining badly so I was unable to go and buy the mango mousse cake. I went to Cold storage to buy some party food like crackers and chips. Earlier on friday i had bought 2 bottles of Brown Brothers 2008 Cienna and decided to bring one along. I had a movie n dinner with another group of friends first before going to my friend's invitation.

City Beach Resort is at near to labrador nature reserve and the nearest circle line MRT is labrador park station. It a 1Km walk from the MRT to the resort and one can take the bus no 408 to go in (I prefer to walk instead). My friends has decided to go for dinner so when I was waking towards the resort, they saw me and stopped me. I joined them for another round of food before going back to the resort. My friend bought me a gift (I did not know anything about it) and was glad she did. It's a men's wallet and I promised to change it first thing on 2012: its the thought that counts.

I get to know this group of friends through badminton game every sunday ( they play every sunday while I am alternate sundays). The age group are all within 40 years old so we can get along well. My friend was a little different as i get to know her for a long while (5 years ago through a event). We played cards and drink wine as part of punishment. I cannot hold liquor well and end of the day vomit out the liquor (its good and it clears my head). A nice 4 hours of sleep clear my headache and by 5am the next day I woke up for another round of cards and played till 6am before turning in. We woke up at 9 plus and checked out at 11.30am

I may consider booking this resort for the upcoming CNY hideaway but have to see how costly it gets.

Daily Life: Results from the Standard Chartered KL 2011

2011-12-26T18:26:00.006+08:00

After much hasten, i decided to upload my KL marathon timing though its just for a Half marathon n not a full marathon.

Daily Life: Lunch on Friday afternoon @ Just Asia

2011-12-26T00:30:00.004+08:00

Normally for December, most people will be clearing their leave and taking advantage of the upcoming Christmas I also decided to take this time to have some good time off work and enjoy my leave doing things i normally can only do on weekends.

I went for my usual swimming in the morning and take advantage of the cool weather. (it will rain very heavily later in the day). After a visit to my late maternal grandparents, I went for lunch with my friend at Just Asia. Its a restaurant at Marina Square and since my friend was recovering from stomach flu, I decided to accommodate his request. Just Asia offers main Asian cuisine and they are running a current promotion of free flow of drinks and ice-cream if one order the main course. Its main course is not too ex for the area: range between 8.90 to 16 dollars. I ordered curry spicy chicken spaghetti while my friend has his ramen. The ice-cream varties are also good with coffee, chocolate, strawberry and other. There is also the Macdonald ice-cream type which are squeezed out from the machine.

Overall i feel the food is good and affordable. The free flow of drinks and ice-cream is a good refreshing option vs at breeks and offer good value for money meals in the CBD area. There is also vegetiation versions so another place for my colleagues to come over during dinner time

Daily Life: Christmas Lunch @ Swensen

2011-12-22T21:57:00.002+08:00

As i predicated, this year there is no christmas lunch in office. (see my earlier posting) So i decided to have a internal departmental lunch instead. Not that I am the manager or what, just that i think it is in good faith that we have a thank you lunch to thank everyone for the hard work put in.

I don't see my boss so guess i took up the job. As one of my colleague is a vegetarian, we are a little more careful with what we order. No garlic and onions. We went to swensen at northpoint once i get my colleague to call them to make sure that they offer vegetarian food. (the other place is pastamani). We got another dept colleague to join us for lunch. As usual the food is ok. I ordered the grilled fish sambal. The fish portion is small but firm and chippy. The sambal is nothing to shout at, normal stuff. Its the ice-cream that is nice. I had mint flavor ice-cream and it is just nice. Not too sweet nor too bitter for my taste.

We are all late to go back office though as we are unable to get a cab from northpoint. We walked to the nearest taxi stand in the end and got a cab quickly. This christmas lunch is a little better as we enjoy each other company. Looking forward to more such events next year. maybe can get boss to chip in.. heheh

Daily Life: Christmas day celebration in .... Office ahhhhh

2011-12-09T17:43:00.003+08:00

Today we have a whole day of food and drinks. The official news is because we moved from AMK to Woodlands so there is a celebration to thank everyone for the effort. Unofficial, personally I feel that this may be other better ways to celebrate the move. I tend not to think too much on this. No thanks to the Europe crisis, I will be more than happy to have a job to get some paycheck any-day.

Plan B is still WIP so it will still take a while. The photo shown is with my HR dept and MIS dept (very small team, total of 6 people, 3 in each dept)

Daily Life: Results from the SCM 2011

2011-12-06T09:45:00.003+08:00

Today the results from the Standard Chartered Marathon 2011 is out. I was happy that i managed to get a 6hrs 27 mins timing despite my out of form this year round.

Daily Life: Standard Chartered Marathon 2011

2011-12-04T22:45:00.003+08:00

Today is the Standard Chartered Marathon 2011. This is the 10th year I am taking part in the SCM. I nearly unable to attend as I overslept until 4am. I have to rush out and take the MRT to Orchard. On the MRT, i can see my fellow runners and the air is full of tiger balm smell.

I was also having a running nose so was feeling under the weather. I was able to completed the first 18k with no issues but as the running nose is getting worse, i have to start walking. 2 of my colleagues also took part in this year marathon n i saw them on my way turning towards fort road. Its also getting a little hot due to the morning sun so have to walk and run. The run from fort road to the end point is full of surprise: As i know the road from fort road to the marina reservoir has no water point, i have to top up my running water bottle at the last water point just outside of fort road. Its a wise decision as I was able to run and get my fill of water until the next water point (near the country club)

There was also the banana and running supplments which the sponsor provided so i was able to retain most of my strength for the final kafter the 38K mark. The 38k mark also marks the start of the 'heartbreak bridge' which is the bridge towards the airport and move down towards the F1 track. For the first time, I was able to run up the bridge. Its a very special moment that I was able to do it this time round. To make up for lost time, I continue to run all the way missing out the water points all the way until the end point. As my energy level remains high, i was able to continue running though at a slower pace as I don't wish to have a 'flat Tyre'.

All in all this year run is good and I was glad I took the correct decision to go for the marathon despite waking up late. (supposed to wake at 3am)

Daily Life: Let there be lightning

2011-11-26T23:25:00.002+08:00

This whole day has been a rainy day and since I was at the 'durain' today, my friend and i decided to go to the roof garden to enjoy the night sky of Singapore. I must admit this is the first time i even go up to Esplanade roof garden and i was treated to nature lightning.

Since my iphone camera is not able to capture accurate images, i decided to do a video feed and uploaded it for all to enjoy. It's very nice and awesome.

Daily Life: Results from the Penang Marathon 2011

2011-11-25T00:03:00.003+08:00

The results are out for the Penang Marathon 2011. Below is my results

Name	:	Low Tzewen
Status	:	Active
Collect Method	:	Athlete's Circle ( 8th - 12th Nov 2011 )
Category	:	Half Marathon Men Open
Bib No	:	D16622
Event Results
17KM CheckPoint	:	2:05:14.90
ChipTime	:	2:44:13.87
GunTime	:	2:46:32.56
Ranking	:	1665/4509

Not too bad considering 1) I have low blood count 2) not enough sleep :)

Daily Life: Back from Penang

2011-11-21T09:45:00.008+08:00

By the time I am finished with this posting, I should be fast asleep. I have no been sleeping since Sat night onwards as the hotel drives us to the start point around 10.45pm. The event is to start at 3am but register to start at 2am. Actually I don't know what to register about as the runners has already register earlier.

In any case, the second day dinner at Penang is some chicken parts, a slice of pizza, some grapes and yoghurt. All items are bought from the Giant supermarket inside Penang Plaza. Sat most stores are not open or close around 6pm so there is nothing much to eat around the hotel. I don't wish to spend any more money on food as budget is running low. I had to take a nap around 4pm and 8pm to get some sleep. Its tough but i managed to grab 1 hr sleep each.

The run was excellent and the air around the bridge is very refreshing. The winds are chilling and cold to the bones. We ran from Queensbay mall, around the residential area, towards the bridge, u-turn 3k after the bridge and back towards Penang, up the coastal highway and back to Queensbay mall. Mine is the 21K run while the 42K goes all the way to the toll plaza and back to Queensbay mall. All else the same. I did not stop during the run so think may get a better result. (hopefully)

As the bridge is closed, I only learnt on the same day that my bus trip back to Singapore is moved from Penang to Butterworth. So i rushed from the bus terminal to Butterworth, taking the jetty but to no avil. By the time i reached butterworth, its around 10.15am and the bus has already left. The picture on the left is taken from the ferry. The ferry is those that allow the first deck vehicles to go in/out and above is for human passengers. Its the first time i take such a ferry and its a eye opener. Since from then on, i have plenty of time from 11am all the way to 10pm. I also took the bus instead. No more money to take cab. With the intention of securing a seat for the night trip I have to make my way back to the bus terminal for a change in the night trip back to SG. The counter was closed and I only knew about the result around 3.50pm by asking around. One of the other counters' guy is kind to let me know that they are having a company event so they closed early but will open later for the night trip. With that, I took the risk of taking the RapidPenang bus 304 to Queensbay mall for movie. No point waiting at the bus terminal as cannot sleep and nothing to to do.

I spend RM11 for the 'Immortal' movie and bought dinner at Mac. From Queensbay mall, its another bus 308 to the bus stop outside the bus terminal and i was very lucky. It started raining heavily after i reached the bus terminal. The counter has re-open and i changed my ticket. To my surprise, the bus no is 2121, the same bus that took me from SG to Penang on friday. Its the same drivers as i found out later. The journey from Penang to SG was very fast around 9hrs I reached back to SG. I had some breakfast n fill in this blog posting.

Penang is a good place for the marathon but i do noticed that the bus stops do not have the journey planner of each bus so there is no way to know which bus no goes where. The cabs around are non-metered run so very ex to take. I will have to plan in more details next time i goes there, no more cabs and no more 10am bus ride back to SG from Penang. (bridge is closed until 10.30am) Can take bus to KL then from there back to SG. After all the KL bus stop at Berjaya Times square where there is a cinema there.

Daily Life: Day Two in Penang

2011-11-19T12:45:00.007+08:00

I had a good night sleep in Hotel royal Penang. Its a five star hotel along Jalan Burma and due to the Penang bridge marathon, the room from friday to sunday is RM145 include transport to the area.

The room has all the animetities of a five star hotel and the room i am staying in 1819 is facing the Penang bridge. Yesterday when i arrived at Penang, the coach took the bridge and i can see why i have a good run tomorrow, Its very slow with up and down slope. think I will enjoy the run and scenery rather than try to break my 2hrs40mins timing.

I decided to go visit Penang Plaza first which is next to the hotel to grab some breakfast n drinks for tomorrow run. There is food n bread sold there and the pricing is within RM2 for fried rice and RM4 for bread so i guess it is a good deal. However there is no cinema in Penang Plaza and the nearest is at Gurney Plaza which will cost another RM21 to go there by cab. I attempt to go to 238 Jalan Burma by foot but decided not to as the roads in Penang unlike in KL & SG do not have walking path for walkers so walking on the road is not really a safe affair in my opinion.

I grabbed my breakfast/lunch at one of the coffeshop along the street and ordered Hokkien mee. Its a more soupy version than the one in SG and looks more like prawn mee than hokkien mee but its good,not too spicy.

Then I went to the Bakery shop behind the hotel and bought some egg tarts and yam cake. The egg tart is in the orginal and kaya version. Very different from what I can get in SG. Its also taste good for RM1.90. in SG the same size egg tart will cost around S$1.80 so i guess Penang food is cheaper.

Daily Life: First Day in Penang

2011-11-19T12:36:00.003+08:00

Today I have finally arrived in Penang from SG after a 12 hours coach ride. The coach is from Beach road to KL, then to taiping, ipoh, finally at Penang. There is no much stops on the way there and there is rain in some areas of KL & ipoh on the way to Penang so the coach cannot move as fast as it wishes to. There was also the friday traffic.

From KL to taiping, there are many hill roads which makes the coach slow down on top of the rain as i mentioned earlier. All in all, the journey is uneventful but i did not take any lunch and by the time i reached Hotel royal penang, it is already 10.20pm. Most shops in Penang are already close by then so I have to order from room service some food before i faint.

The fish & chips are really good. either that or I am really too hungry to care. The hotel area do not have any Pasar Malam so I cannot go and get any street food. Guess I am too hungry to continue any further so i will leave it as it is first and explore the area first thing tomorrow morning

Daily Life: T-minus 3 days to Penang Marathon

2011-11-17T21:54:00.002+08:00

When I am writing this entry, I should be happily packing my items for my trip to Penang tomorrow. Its the second time this year I am going overseas for marathon and its a good way to take a break, claim my leave and exercise at the same time

I must admit I was not very keen to go for the Penang bridge run as it is a little far (10 hours coach ride) plus no early coach ride back to SG from penang. (only got 10am or 9pm coaches from Penang to SG)

As my event is the 21K run, I am not too stress and I have been running 20k runs on sundays so it is not too a big gap for me. I am only afraid of the bridge portion as the last time i had a bridge run was in the second link marathon back in 2003.

Let's see if i can get some pictures tomorrow when i am over there in Penang.

Daily Life: Run from home to Orchard

2011-11-10T19:42:00.004+08:00

Last sunday, as monday is a holiday I decided to go for my run from my home to Orchard. This is a critical timing as I have yet to run so long and i have just purchased my water belt.

The run is uneventful as I have earlier run the route from my home to Esplande. One more good thing is the weather is not hot and there is no rain. After running to Esplande I have to decided how to run to orchard. There are more than one route to it and it is through busy roads so i decided to run past funan center, up Fort Canning park and down towards orchard. I have run out of water so I have to either a) complete the run or b) stop at the Park Mall.

I did not stop or walk during the 19.1K run so its a good thing. I took a pic of myself on the bus when i am super tired. If i have water, I may attempt to run back from Orchard to Bugis. But guess I don't plan well enough to get more water onto my water belt.

Since its the first time i run with my water belt, the water feels heavy. But after the 10k I don't feel the weight anymore.

Daily Life: Visiting at memorial chapel

2011-10-23T11:27:00.002+08:00

Wow, I did not realize that my last entry is on Sept 4 and now is Oct 23. These few weeks I am super busy with the final phase of my office move to Woodlands from AMK, training for my marathon in Penang and SG and going for my reservist in last weeks of Sept.

As my birthday is in Sept itself and wish to also make it a littler special, i make a wish that i will pay my respect to my grandparents (Dad's side) and Aunt Biline (don't know if i spell her name correctly) on every birthday. Since i was so busy i can only go yesterday to All Saints Memorial Chapel to start the wish. I was blessed with good weather for the whole journey as it was actually about to rain when i left home. Moreover i am going on my own so i have to look up the google maps for the directions (all i remember it is near to Serangoon JC)

I am fortunate to see all my grandparents (include my great-grandmother) when they are still alive. Of course i spend more time talking with my grandmother as she only left in 2001. I am not a emotional person to begin with so I did not cry when she left. Guess that is why i am less feeling towards others (some truth in it). Aunt Biline is put in another place so i went over to pay my respect too. ( I miss the funeral as it was during the weekdays). There I actually saw her daughter and grand-daughters. I did not introduce myself to them as 1) I cannot remember her name (she is called ruth) 2) she is crying. I pay my respect in my own way and left.

The truth is I seldom visit the memorial so i think other than going on 'special' occassion like Chinese New Year etc, it's not a bad idea to link it to say birthday since we do celebrate birthday in our own way. There is only so much time we can pay respect when one day, we will join them .... ( In Death do we rejoin together)

PS: I took a picture of my grandparents memorial but think no a good idea to put it up.

Daily Life: Safra 21K Marathon

2011-09-04T15:27:00.004+08:00

Today I was one of the 70,000 runners at Safra Marathon. How many of the 70,000 are 21K runners I do not know but one thing is for sure, there is a lot of runners at the 21K category. With my experience at the KL marathon, I decided to do the same for my meals, that is one day before the event, yoghurt after dinner and yoghurt before the event itself. I also take a cup of plain water before the run and was glad to do it. I will explain later why.

This run was also different as from July to Sept, I did not have any time to do my runs though i managed to find time to go for my badminton & swimming. So i thought I will walk for the duration of the run but guess things will work out right. We started on the dot at 5.15am and run though the CBD area like usual but with more turns. Then we entered into ECP to the Marina barrage. That was still early in the morning so its very dark. The road will lead to Tanjong Ru and it was dark with one section of the run we have to move slowly as there is still constructions and there is only one opening. Imagine 20,000 runners (example) moving through the opening and u will know how slow it will become. I did not take any walk for the first 5K as the morning cup provides me the water needed. Its important as I know from experience that taking water too early will cost me my run.

I also try to take only one cup of water mix with one cup of 100 plus. This is to reduce the sodium intake. at the 13K mark the helpers were giving out banana and it is good that I took one. It helped me clear the remaining distance without any water intake until the 15k mark. The worst part of my run was the uphill at Fort canning park. I had just taken my gel and in need of some water intake so I did a slow slow run up. My legs are cramping but i flatly refuse to give up after all, I had went pass 16K worth of hell distance so no point giving up at this point. The run from chinatown to the finish line was uneventful. There are not too many supporters like what i saw in the Standard Chartered Marathons. I refuse to run fast and continue at my own pace. My legs are cramping so if i run fast, i will 'kill' my run instantly.

I finish the run at around 2.47.01. Not too bad since i did not have runs after my June Marathon. I took a picture of myself after i reached home around 9am. Since i know that my aunt have bought breakfast for me, i decided not to indulge in Macdonalds big breakfast like what i did after previous SAFRA marathons

Daily Life: Price is going up. Guess what is remain --------

2011-08-12T22:29:00.002+08:00

Today I have chance to buy dinner home as my aunties are working late. I went to the library and there is a good chicken rice stall nearby so i thought just go over to buy will do, a simple dinner for friday.

Normally the item will cost S$3.50 but today it is S$4. I thought I was wrong but the stall helper say price increase already. Since i was in a rush to go home, i did not think too much and pay up and walk towards the interchange to catch the bus home. While at the interchange, i took up my iphone, on the calc app and did a math. A S$0.5 increase is nearly 13% increase! that is inflation. So if some minister say coffee from S$0.90 to S$1 increase is very small, their primary school math fail. A $0.10 increase is equal to 11.1% increase. It is very very fast than the normal average worker wage. For a worker's pay to just cover the increase say the worker salary is S$2000, the increase will have to be S$240. And it is to be done each year as each year, the price only goes up.....

So inflation is at play here, not what the economists, the government is telling us; that inflation is not here yet. Wrong!!! Inflation is here and making our life miserable.

Daily Life: Invest in new badminton racket

2011-07-30T23:39:00.002+08:00

Today is payday so its time to spend money. As I have a badminton game tomorrow, I went to a sports shop in Bugis to change the racket string. My brother had a game last week and broke the string. Its a common issue so thought by changing the string will do.

The shop owner was kind enough to tell me that the racket got a fine crack and will not be able to be used anymore. Thankfully the owner was kind enough to sell me a light weight racket complete with the string and racket towel for S$60 which used to cost S$80. As some may not know, new racket typically comes with the frame only. The customer has to buy the string and ask the shop to put in the string (pay separately or as part of the string cost). Reason is there are many playing form, some players like control, some like high tension for smacking down etc.

The new racket also is lighter than the one and its been with me for a long while (>5 years) so guess its time to change a new one. If i seldom play then it will not be a good investment but since i play twice a month excluding any special occasion where i may play with my family, its a small investment and adds more flavour to my exercise routine which includes walking, running & swimming. :-)

Daily Life: Moving Office

2011-07-18T23:33:00.002+08:00

Right after my KL trip, I was thrown into the move of my office from AMK to Woodlands. It was a nightmare in the making as there is tons of items to take care of. From getting the internet line ready, testing it and ensuring that AMK and woodlands site can talk to each other takes longer than usual.

Even after we moved to woodlands, I am still having to come back to AMK to test out some network issues, server issues and other critical issues. On the whole, the move is a very tiring one and eye-opener. Its rare that IT has a front row seat in this and many items though are outsourced to vendor to do, must still be tied down with the various departments heads whom may have their own area to worry about.

One good thing out of this move is I get to exercise on a daily basis as i need to walk from Sembawang MRT to my office which is 15 mins walk away. Night time is another 15 mins walk back to take MRT to AMK Hub then bus to home. As my new office is in the industrial area, after 7pm there is no much activity beyond those working night shift.

Daily Life: I did what I come to KL to achieve- Run

2011-06-26T19:04:00.007+08:00

Today is the KL marathon 2011 and it is different feeling. Its the first time I even run in a foreign land before and I was totally under-estimate the no. of runners staying in the same hotel as I am. By the time I went to the lobby around 4.20am, there are already 2 different groups of people waiting downstairs and many more moving toward Dataran Merdeka, the starting point. I was too early as my event is at 6.15am (Half Marathon).

The run was as usual with me running my heart out from the flag off. There are many runners in the Half Marathon category but I am interested in only my personal best. I can see why some runners do not want to take part in the KL Marathon. Unlike the SG one, if the roads are closed, the police will not allow anyone to move up the roads. Here in KL, the police at some junctions, are unable to stop the traffic effectively. As runners, we just have to be more careful and look out for ourselves and the rest. The final 2km is from maju Junction shopping center (I finally know where is it) , pass Sogo (I was there on yesterday) and run past the hotel i staying and ends at Dataran Merdeka. At the last 100M, my leg is giving me cramps and i just have to push on since it is within reach.

After the run, I went back to hotel and attempt to go back to sleep after a nice shower. By 12pm I am awake and ready to eat my lunch. Since the run is over and to reward myself, I decided to go eat the the Coliseum Cafe. Its where the 10K run marker was at and just 5 mins walk from my hotel. The Cafe is old school and i see some marathon runners having their lunch there. I don't see any tourist there though so guess only locals know the area or those of us who plan before hand. I ordered a cup of ice lemon tea and a 4 chicken in 1 meal. 4 chicken as in chicken sausage, turkey ham, chicken meat and one other item which i forgot what is it. They are put together, breaden and served with fries and vegetables. Its really worth the money and i don't see anything like that in SG. The eating environment is also old school, like what we will see in Tanjong Katong that area.

After lunch, I went back Maju Junction and visited the Giant shop there. I bought some chocolates and a bottle of Vodka mix. There was also a VCD shop and i attempt to find my malay show but failed. Looks like i have to make a trip to Jakarta for that. My trip to Times square was too late to catch a movie so I went shopping for some clothes and bought some. I also went to scout where i will catch my ride back to SG tomorrow afternoon and its walking distance from Times square.

All in all this is a good and fulfilling trip. I will be back next year round if possible. (The picture beside is taken during the run on the expressway and there was a possible shower in the morning but the weather cleared before that n we saw this rainbow in the horizon. Just like running, when we hit shit, we know that the rainbow is just around the corner as long as we endure.)

Daily Life: Day 3 in KL

2011-06-25T19:03:00.004+08:00

I had a good sleep until 10.45am. As my room do not have a window, i am not affected by the weather. Since it is close to lunch time, i decided to skip breakfast and go and look for the Indian Vegetarian Restaurant called Saravanaa Bhavan. I had to walk twice before i found it by mistake. It is hidden from view by the hawker center in the middle. I had to walk towards buying fruits from the stall in the hawker center then make a detour before i find the restaurant.

Its vegetarian and since it is still early, I am one of the first few customers. I ordered the banana leaf meal and a glass of rose milk. The service is quick and quiet. The food is good and i must say it is not bad for vegetarian food. I prefer mine to be a little more spicy though. The bill runs into RM17 due to the rose milk drink which i had. If not, the meal is just RM9.50. Remember that I am eating in a restaurant and not in the road side so it will definitely cost more.

Since I got time until 6pm and wants to look for subway restaurant for my dinner and use my coupon, i decided to take a ride to KLCC. Its direct from where i stay and cost RM1.60. As I reach KLCC, it is joined to the mornial station via a subway tunnel. I decided to go for a movie and decided on Dylan Dog: Dead of Night and paid RM13 for it. Not bad as it is still cheaper vs SG. Since I got time to kill (movie starts at 3.20pm, i bought ticket at 12.40pm), I decided to have a cup of coffee to re-charge. I then decided to go for a walk in the nearby KLCC park. It more refreshing as I am taking in fresh air. The kids and their family are also out and enjoy a dip in the pool.

The movie ended and I went to take my subway dinner inside the KLCC park. The meal i took is the Hearty Italian 6" spicy Italian with BBQ sauce. Its not bad but the sauce do not have the same flavor as the SG branches. Having my dinner outdoors is a little like having a picnic. KLCC park has a lot of benches to sit down so choosing one is not issue. There is also the trees to provide the shade anyway.

I had my dinner, bought my mineral water from cold storage and makes my way home to the hotel. While tying this entry, I am enjoying a round of fishballs which i bought from Cold storage.

Daily Life: Day 2 Dinner in KL

2011-06-24T22:35:00.006+08:00

Even since I arrived in KL on thursday, I have been eating western food like Mac, KFC for lunch or dinner. The dinner on first day was a nightmare to be say the least. So i decided to have noodles for my Day 2 dinner.

In a earlier entry, I had the chance to come across a review on KL beef noodles and how the writer say until it is like a heaven dish. Another writer tried it and found it to be wanting. She gave another choice which is the one I had. Its closer to where I am staying and remains affordable. So based on the directions provided, I went over and found Soong Kee Restaurant. Its more like a coffeeshop and outside is selling porridge. Inside is where the Beef noodles is. I ordered one large bowl and a glass of barley water (warm). Total cost is RM7.20. Not too ex and more healthy. Its at 3 Jalan Tun Tan Siew Sin, just opposite the pictured RHB bank complex.

Now on the dish. It is very different to the Singapore version. The noodles is different, more like the wanton noodle type and very smoothly. The black color items are the minced beef mixed with dark soy sauce n throw in some vegs. The bowl contains 7 beef balls. It has a faint smell of beef and very chewy. Very nice indeed. I will not be able to see such beef balls in Singapore. The chilli is disappointing though. I prefer mine to be hot and spicy.

Daily Life: Day 1 & 2 in KL for KL Marathon 2011

2011-06-24T16:36:00.005+08:00

This sunday is the KL marathon 2011 and I have arrived in KL since Thursday afternoon. I took the coach from Golden mile and using the second link, cross into Malaysia around 10.30am. By the time I reach KL, its 3.10pm. I had a cup of starbucks coffee while using their wireless to plot how to reach my hotel, Citin Masjid Jamek.

As the drop off point was at Berjaya Times square, it is very near to the Imbi station under KL Monorail. I was able to plot which train service to take in order to reach Masjid Jamek station which is under another provider. The total train cost is RM1.2+RM1.2=RM2.4 (Single way) which is very cheap considering if i took a cab will be at least RM10 and very much struck in the traffic jam.

I check into the hotel around 4pm and took my time to unpack. Soon its dinner time and I decided to catch a movie, Green Lantern while passing time. The movie was at 7.30 (non-3D) and cost RM12. Dinner was a plate of very costly chicken rice, its RM6.90 but I think its worth only RM3.50. Being at Berjaya Times square, everything is expensive. The movie did not start until 7.50pm. During the waiting time, there are more shows trailers and ad from the government. Its funny as i do not get to see this in SG cinema.

Going back to hotel was a nightmare as it is after office hours and the monorail is packed with people. I have to squeeze in and a foreigner, suspect working there with his girlfriend/wife was not happy when i push in. I kept quiet as no point arguing in a foreign land.

Day 2 is big breakfast at Macdonalds while planning to scout for the Merdeka Square, the starting point of the KL Marathon 2011. Its very very near to where i am staying, just 0.7km away. Already the banners n tents are going up for the event and i see many tourists there, don't know if they are also running.

I had planned to collect the race pack on Friday and to avoid the Sat crowd. So i took the train from Masjid Jamek to bukit Jalil where the stadium is. The race pack was to pick up there. As i am running the Half marathon, i was given the powerbar and yoghurt. I bought some more powerbar gel anyway since I am planning to go for my Singapore Marathon when I am back from KL.

Lunch was sushi from Sogo where I walked after collecting the rack pack. I had to buy back as there is the huge lunch crowd.Its friday so the food courts are packed with people, not unlike Singapore.

Daily Life: Passion Run 2011 12K May 21 2011

2011-05-22T17:43:00.004+08:00

Yesterday was the Passion Run 2011 organized by Passion card, a card created by PA (People Association). And no, being a member does not make one a member of PAP; they are 2 different matter.

Think of Passion card like a normal membership card which allows its members access to discounted NTUC items, booking of NTUC chalets at discounted rates and others benefits. In any case, yesterday was the run and I took part in the 12K. There are 25k and 5k but I don't feel like 'killing' myself so soon with my KL marathon (21k) just next month.

There were a total of 3 waves for 12K runners. The reason is to allow runners not to run into each other as the East Coast park itself is still open to the general public so there are cyclists moving around with other runners. I was attempting to join wave 1 but reached the entry gate too late so was forced to start in wave 2. What you seeing in the picture is 2 guys who are supposed to the in wave 1 but seems to be having some issues. By the next moment, they were off.

Since I am in the first few lines of runners in wave 2, by the time the run started I was already moving very quickly with the rest of the pack. Some runners run so fast that by the 1k mark, they have started walking. I did not expect to see this so soon in the race but who cares. Running is one sport that is for loners. I continued to run at my normal pace and saw a long lost army friend around the 6k mark. I waved to him and he was with his family, he seems surprised to see me though. As I am running so I did not stop to talk with him.

After the 7k mark, my HR manager called me saying that one of my colleague's wife computer is infected with virus & malware. I have to tell her that I am in the middle of a race plus I am going for a movie later around 9pm so can only contract the person tomorrow. This is the second time I am called during my run. First time was during my Wednesday run at Mount Faber.

By the time I reached the 10k mark, those fun runners of 5k are already running so the path is full of runners 12k & 5k and many more walkers. I had to start pacing fellow runners in order not to start walking. It's been instrumental in keeping my focus for many races. Towards the end, I was running fast enough to overtake a pacer and reached the end point with some energy left.

The race is overall good and think I can move forward with my daily training runs to 15k. That way I will have no issues with 21k.

Daily Life: I did not know the MRT track is 1.1km

2011-05-11T22:21:00.003+08:00

As many will noticed, now the weather is getting hotter each day even when it have rain just hours before. Today is no exception but the weather is cloudy with dark clouds threatening to rain cats and dogs anytime.

Unfortunately it did not rain so I decided to go for my daily run under the AMK MRT track. The track is from behind Pathlight school all the way to Ang Mo Kio Ave 8 junction. Yes it does continue all the way to AMK MRT but I will have to run up and down stairs which may not be advisable. I decided to run back and forth instead counting each complete lap. In no time was I counting to lap 6 where I decided that it is time to go home so I run back towards Pathlight school and end at the junction before AMK Ave 10 & Ave 1.

I am always eager to know how much i run actually as I am training for my marathons. so I went to map my run singapore, search under Ang Mo Kio Singapore and carefully map the first lap. Boy was I surprised to know that each lap is 1.11km so i actually run for 6 laps clocking 6.6km. This has given me more game to try a 15 laps next time as not only i train in a safe environment, I not longer need to worry about the weather come run or shine.

Daily Life: Run350 On April 17 2011

2011-04-17T17:20:00.006+08:00

Today was the start of the series of marathons and runs for this year. Run350 was originally to promote global warming and to sell the idea of using less personal transport like cars to public transport like MRT & buses. Today's event was organized by NTUC income, a GIC (government linked company) dealing with insurance, both motor,life and medical. It provides affordable insurance to the general public and is reasonable claim system.

The 10k run start around 7.30am from the empty plot of land next to NTUC income (Microsoft is also a tenant in the same building). What you see above is the picture taken of the MBS and its surroundings around 6.40am with the morning light just around the corner. The run then proceeded to the sky bridge linking MBS and the marina stadium (where the last few National day parade were held) I never thought the sky bridge can take the weight of so many runners running but it can with a bouncing feeling. Then we were off to the F1 race track and to marina park and then back. The run was completed around 8.40am for me.

I did not know there is a Standard Chartered building next to the NTUC income. It was a good race and I am eager to continue to train for the upcoming PassionRun (also 10k)

Daily Life: Run at Mount Faber

2011-04-13T22:47:00.003+08:00

I have always wanted to run up Mount Faber as it is a good training for marathon. so today I was on leave and went to run up Mount Faber with my friend. We started off late in the morning around 11am and boy was we in for a ride. The run was more steep than imagine and all I can do is take small steps to run up.

It was more tiring than running on flat roads and by the time we reach the top, being a daily runner, I was in a better shape than my friend who was already thinking of walking back home (he live opp Mount Faber). Our plan was to run from Mount Faber to Alexandra techpark then run back through HP, CMPB. But as the weather today was really hot plus my friend was already given up, I decided to continue the run to the Henderson Wave (its a 15 storey linkage between Mount Faber to Telok Blangh). Then I waited for my friend at the stopover rest point at end of Henderson Wave.

This is the second time I run at Mount Faber. The first time was we walked up the steps so it was less tiring. I feel the run is a good to train up for the Dec Marathon where there is a area where it is up/down the Nicolle highway. It was not different from running from my home to my office where I will cross 2 steep roads (one at serangoon MRT and the other at Lorong Chuan)

Daily Life: Leave on April 5 2011

2011-04-05T17:41:00.005+08:00

Now that one of my project is half completed (awaiting spares to come in), I decided to take a break from work. Since the weather was good today, I decided to go for a swim at the swimming pool near my house (Geylang East swimming complex). Its a pity the weather did not hold.

I can only swim breast stroke and i make up for its simplicity by swimming multiple laps. Since its around 12 noon when i swam, i have the whole pool to myself.

Dark clouds are forming by the time I completed swimming and after lunch, it rain. So i took the bus 63 to Central library. Singapore weather is very funny. one area is raining while another area is dry and hot. Since its a weekday, the library was less crowded and more books to borrow. I just stayed for a while before making my way home. Its 3.30pm.

Picture below was taken just 30 mins ago. When i reach home, it was still sunny then around 5pm, it started raining.

Daily Life: I think I know why I am single

2011-03-18T18:41:00.002+08:00

One fine day this week, with some free time, I was pondering over the question of why I am still single all these while. One reason could be due to my temper which can be bad sometimes. Another reason could be my focus on work. But i realize there is one key issue: I have little to no love to share.

This may sounds evil but I guess I have not learn to love someone wholeheartedly. Not that I cannot fine someone but i just don't want to get hurt. I have zero tolerance for matters of the heart and think very logically at most times. I am overly suspicious of others and tend to look after my own interest most of the time.

It is not easy to admit such things online but guess by being truthful to oneself, I open myself to changes. That way i know how to redeem myself before all is lost.

Daily Life: Start of March 2011

2011-03-06T23:54:00.003+08:00

Wow, I did not recognize that my last update was in Feb and now it is March already. So what has happened during this time?

Work is still as busy as usual. With customer server room to setup, to our own office move to new location to other IT issues to handle. It is very rewarding experience but extremely tiring. As the customer server room is in woodlands, I have to be on-site on certain days to ensure the work is done and debrief the contractor just in case he forgot what to do. I also have my colleagues moving to woodlands so need to setup internet connections for them.

Family is still the same except that during CNY I pissed off my uncles & aunties by not going down to mix around with them when they pay the visit on first day of CNY. Now I know why for some years ago, I was eager to go overseas. Lets just say we have different view points and we don't mix. My youngest brother who is in Sydney, wonder how is he? Hardly see him communicate with the family. And before you readers grill me, I don't have his number nor email address to begin with to start communicating.

Sports is going to be very interesting for me this year. I have signed up for 2 10k run before June where I will go up KL for the Standard Chartered 2011 marathon (21k this first time). My trip up KL is the start of what I hope to be a continuous event of sporting 'high'. Standard Chartered marathon kick off in Feb @ Hong Kong then move to Kenya then to KL last stop is Singapore. I hope to visit Hong Kong in 2012 provided I have the funds to do so. Its quite ex over there.

I will update my blog more often at least once a week so that I don't need to do summary of how the previous month have been.

Daily Life: Busy but with purpose!

2011-02-02T21:48:00.002+08:00

Since my last posting, I am super busy with a few items. 1) we did a upgrade to a new mail server and work overtime on friday. It a 24 hrs shift and boy was I super drained but the experience was good. 2) Negotiation with vendors for customer setup. It something I did previously so there is little issue this time round. 3) Patching patching of windows system. MS software tend to have loopholes so there are many patches needed to prevent the bad guys from causing havoc on our system. Its being a while since I did a full patching so took this Chinese New Year (CNY) to do it.

So there is purpose in what we do. There is a mix of experience and technical knowledge needed so the learning matrix is better though real life experience.

Wish all readers a Happy n purposeful Chinese New Year. HUAT!!!!!!!!

Daily Life: We should have a signboard in men's toilet: Pls shoot into hole

2011-01-20T22:43:00.002+08:00

After my reservist, I am back to work and to do my twice weekly runs of 10k. I cannot change in my office as it is open concept type so I go to the Men's toilet to change.

I was doing the same routine on this Tuesday where I got a shock; the cubicle I went into got urine all over the top cover of the toilet bowl and on the floor. Someone either is in a hurry or really want to 'mark its place' like how a dog urine in public places to mark its area. I have no choice but to change by leaping around with my back to the toilet door.

Cannot understand how some man can really screw up the toilet. If they have females in their family, I will be surprised that they will be 'cut' each time they dirty the toilet like that. No wonder some girls called men animals; cannot help but say some do behave like one.

2011: First Reservist for the new year

2011-01-11T16:24:00.002+08:00

I was called back for my in-camp training n its my 6th reservist. Its a 1 week affair and this time round, we were upgraded to train on the SAR-21. When the weapon was in trial, I was about to end my active duty so I did not get to try the weapon.

The weapon is a bullup design where the barrel is in-built to make it shorter. The weapon weighs in at around 1kg more than the M-16 which I am very familiar with. The SAR-21 comes with built-in scope of 1.5x; I must admit the weapon is very simple to assemble and disassemble for cleaning. It has less parts to clean vs the old M-16.

After passing the TH (technical handling) test, we proceed to go for live firing or range on friday. As I am a right master eye user, by right I will need to have a deflector for M-16 but the SAR-21 comes with a built-in deflector and the way the rounds are chambered out of the gun, is does not affect right master hand users like myself.

The gun is factory-tuned and has less recoil vs the M16. On the whole, this time reservist was more relaxed though CQ side (where I am a 2IC) was still busy with setting up the stores for the range. The weather was also good with no rain during the range (it will affect visibility)

Reflection for Year ending 2010

2010-12-31T22:56:00.003+08:00

Time really flies. At the time of writing, its 10.56pm and in another 1 hour 4 mins time, 2010 will end and 2011 will start. Its been a bitter sweet year for me and its good to take this time off to reflect on key events this year for me.

Work: There were too many things that took place this year. There were the change in the team in the IT team in Malaysia. Though I do not manage them, the loss of staff is not to be taken lightly. That goes the same for the customer project in Malaysia. I still hold the infrastructure and still looking for someone to take over. In SG, we managed to upgrade our security to a higher platform and did a IP address migration. With that we can support more equipments and better secure our network. But as security is a never ending fight, there is still much to do before I can safety say we are there.

Finance: This is the key highlight of this year. With proper budgeting, I managed to clear off some of my debts faster than expected and allowed me to start saving. This is important as it is directly linked to what I intend to do in 2011. My budget planning also worked and I enjoyed opportunities to raise capital in 2010 through FX trading.

Love: This area of operation remains as quiet as it can be. I don't put too much effort and feels I still looking for the 'one'. Most girls I know cannot communicate to the level I am looking for. This may proves to be my undoing but guess I cannot enjoy everything without losing something

Spiritual: Given the state of things, I choose to enjoy a temp breakaway from church going until i can get my heart back. I don't wish to false my faith. I know that deep down I am still a christian. Its just that those events in 2006-07 still haunts me and i don't feel comfortable without a chance to 'kill' these demons.

Family: I am closer to my brothers as we live together and all are working. We are also planning some family investment so this could be more fruitful than I expect. I also spend some time talking with my aunties (both sides) so this open out more topics to discuss. Guess as one gets older, there is much more things seen n experienced and much more to share on.

Health: This year I managed to take part in the normal marathons and started exercising on a more regularly basis. This proves to be very beneficial to me as I keeping my weight in check and more energize daily.

Friends: I managed to spend some more time with friends and get to know some more new ones. So guess this is a good thing. Some of my friends are working overseas so its a good idea to plan to visit them soon. With enough money, I could do just that.

So with that, I close my 2010 and looking forward to blog on my plans for next year on.

All I want for christmas:....

2010-12-25T14:39:00.002+08:00

This year Christmas falls on Sat and it one of those days I need to work. Its to perform server maintenance and since its Christmas, only I will be back in office while my other colleagues will take the time off.

So any difference between this year Christmas and last year? Well for one, my notebook screen is damaged(I don't intend to repair it). The other is my finance is in a better shape vs last year. I managed to clear some more loans so got spare cash.

Tonight going to my cousin house-warming cum Christmas dinner. Lets see if can post any good pictures later.

With the year coming to a close, starting to plan for next year... Will share more on last day of 2010.

Cheers and make merry :)

Daily Life: My worst Marathon so far

2010-12-06T21:07:00.006+08:00

Yesterday was the standard chartered marathon 2010 and its the worst marathon so far I joined since 2002. Worst not because the route was changed nor was too sunny. Worst because its the first time I had to visit the washroom to shit. It happened around the 15k mark after I entered into the East Coast Park.

The route was diverted to be away from the washrooms so I had to walk from 15k to the 22k mark before I saw the toilet. Before that all trees so don't think I want to do my 'business' among nature. There were many runners who like me, visit the washroom to pee or shit. After clearing my 'business' and a couple rounds of 100 plus n plain water to replenish the salt lost, I managed to continue slowly until the marina water reservoir.Its the first time I run there and before that was the construction road path linking the reservoir to the east coast park.There are no shade and its 9.30am in the morning sun.

The last 4k was hell as we run up the ECP against traffic (moving towards Sentosa) to the F1 race track. Its a steep road up and by then I am too tired to continue. With last ounce of energy, I started running from the 40k mark towards finish point. I know the pic is too small but I was punching my arms up in the air as I cross the finishing point. The timing was not good but given that at 15k mark I nearly decided to throw in the towel due to stomachache, I think it is effort well done. I will only train more and move to do more up hill training, in fact, I think I have found the route from my home to my office will do as it goes pass the steep road at lorong chuan to AMK ave 1.

Daily Life: I see fishes in the canal

2010-11-21T16:44:00.002+08:00

On sundays I either go for my badminton with my friends, go east coast for running or go for swims. Since its been a while i went swimming, I decided to go for a swim today. It helps as the weather is really hot today.

On my way back, I will go pass the newly completed paya lebar canal and I noticed a type of kingfisher bird feeding. Then I saw pools of small fishes swimming in the canal. They are not too big in size but interesting as there used to be no fishes in the canal before the re-building.

Daily Life: Taking a break from work

2010-11-11T18:52:00.002+08:00

Since 2010 is coming to an end and most people will be away in Dec, I decided to start clearing my leave in Nov instead. This way I get to train more for my marathon while giving my team mates more exposure to solving IT issues in the office rather than seeking my help.

I started my first 2 days in Nov 10 to 11. But the rainy weather on Nov 11 prevents me from doing any form of outdoor activities so the internet is keeping me interested. The G-20 meeting in Seoul coupled with my continuous exposure to FX markets is giving me something to do when i am on leave.

I also taking this time to finish reading a book called 'Lords of Finance' by Liaquat Ahamed. It tells about the Great depression and the hands of central banks of that period which directly/indirectly lead to the Great Depression. It's influence in today context remains the same and the book illustrate haunting similar situation to current world affair. It's a heavy book so I am taking my time to enjoy the literature.

Daily Life: Nov 2010

2010-11-06T16:48:00.003+08:00

Ok. I guess I need to update my blog more often say once a week. but I am really busy in Oct. We had a IP address migration which lead to some unfortunate issue with our VPN so I was busy trying to find out how to resolve it and come up with a more secure and easier way to access the company network. I was only partly successful in it but the new VPN is more secure and able to do more than the previous one so I am more happy than usual over it.

I had another 22K run at East Coast today and i change it to morning and boy was i in for a surprise. There are lots of runners in the morning and the weather is hell compare to evening runs. The morning sun is really killing at around 9-10am and I had to run more slowly than usual to avoid overheating. I have to modify my training routine a little. The day before a 22K run,a 500ml of sports drink & plain water before sleep will do more good than harm while another 500ml plain water before the run will prevent heat stroke. I don't know if it works but the previous time I had such a routine I did not end up having to slow down within 15k of the run.

Nov-Dec will be interesting months as we are finally upgrading to exchange 2007. Yes 2010 is out but our security equipment can only handle up to exchange 2007 for the time being so to avoid more capital investment, we intend to go for 2007 instead. Besides 2010 is just out for less than 6 months so not too safe to use in production environment where emails communication is a serious business requirement.

Daily Life: Completed East coast 22k training run

2010-10-25T08:31:00.003+08:00

Yesterday I finally achieved what I set out to do every alternate sundays, to complete the 22k run from fort road to national sailing club and back. Its 22k of non stop running and boy was I tired and drained.

I started running at 4.30pm and ends around 6.30pm. Speed is not a concern at this point; Complete it is. There are also many runners like myself training for the upcoming marathon so it is good momentum to follow them through.

The key difference is the timing I started the run must be before 5pm as any time after that, the run will get into night and it will become too dark to run toward fort road.

Next stop: 32K non-stop (I must be out of my mind)

Daily Life: So far so good....

2010-10-13T23:31:00.002+08:00

In another 2 months, it will be the Standard Chartered Marathon and training has been good so far. Other than the twice weekly 10k run, I also add in a 22K east coast run from fort road to National sailing club and back. But for now, I only managed to complete 14-16k for the 22k east coast run as I either start too late in the morning or too late in the afternoon which will be nightfall by the time i enter C4 car park (where burger king is)

So looks like I still got a long way to go before I can say safely that I can complete this year marathon on a high note!!

Daily Life: Happy Birthday

2010-09-21T18:46:00.002+08:00

32 years ago a little boy was born in Singapore; fast forward 32 years later, that boy has grown in a mature adult and writing this blog entry.

Time really fly and nothing much has changed for the past 8 years of my working life except for more responsibilities and less hair... I still spend my birthday alone.... not that I really like partying but its good for a change if someone special share it with me.... guess I still have to work hard on it.

There is this MTV by B.O.B called Magic which is very catchy and illustrate my life. Its a magic and there is a magic in all I do... Cheers and Happy birthday Tzewen. :)

Daily Life: AHM 2010

2010-09-12T10:19:00.004+08:00

I am just back from my Army Half Marathon so feels to update my blog. We started running from 5.15am this morning and completed around 7.53am. For me, its been 2 years since I last took part in 21K runs so this is a good chance to test for my 42k run later this year (Dec 2010)

It's the first run across the newly opened Marina Bay Sands Resort and the route is a refreshing one vs the previous times. Since I have been running regularly this year, my running speed was a little faster and i do not tired easily. But as I just recovered from flu, halfway though around the 6-7k mark, I have a blocked nose,I only went to the toilet at East Coast park since I need to 'let some water' out also.

On the whole, the run was good and I am already planning for my build-up training for my 42K. If there are any runners out there, Cheers and see u at the end point at Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2010.

Daily Life: SBS bus late... Who's at Fault?

2010-08-20T09:57:00.002+08:00

Today it was raining in the morning and the SBS bus no 135 was late. It is not uncommon for the bus to be late as the route it takes is from Marina Parade to Ang Mo Kio which is a very long journey.

However, one of the regulars, a guy aged around late 40s start boarding the bus and complain to the bus driver that why the bus 135 takes so long when bus 66 has come more than 5 times. He also remarked that SBS should not run this route. The bus driver respond was heavy traffic which is not untrue. There are so many cars on the road plus so many road works going along Paya Lebar area that i doubt the bus 135 can reach given the situations.

I guess the guy is late for work for him to make a hill out of a molehole. There is nothing to do with the bus driver and more to do with the government. If we are looking at a 6 million population for Singapore, then we will need a 8 million public transport infrastructure which unfortunately we do not have the excess capacity on.

So the Economic planning board has a direct role to play in this. They are also the same guys that should be held responsible for the recent flooding in Singapore, too much rapid growth without proper planning and lack of accountability when problem occurs.

IT: The first look at replacement for HP 5310M

2010-08-09T22:32:00.003+08:00

As in my previous review on the HP 5310M, its been a year since then and the Intel i3/i5/i7 series processor are replacing the older Core 2 Duo powered machines. There is a new model for the HP 5300 series notebooks, the HP 5320M. It is of the same weight as the previous model the HP 5310M with 2 key changes,

1) Its processor are now the i series (review is on the I5-450M: The processor is good for data crunching and basic video editing)
2) There is a VGA output connector sitting next to the display port connector. It's more flexible in operating as most projectors are still VGA-only connection n display port to VGA just does not make business sense

Other than that, all remains the same. The keyboard remains full-sized and well spaced for large fingers.

One bad part had nothing to do with hardware but its software package. It comes default with too much trial software like office 2010, Corel office (on the same machine, what the hell!!),winzip, macfee. True, a SOHO user may feel at ease with them but since they are trial, they simply do not cut to be used in a business environment where there are standardize packages to be used. The other HP programs like its HP advisor and protect manager just add more size to a already bloated OS like windows 7

My advise is if ur production environment is using all HP machines, then it will make sense to use the HP packages to use. Otherwise, just uninstall them to save some memory and hard disk for your users. They will appreciate the faster start-up time.

Daily Life: 12k per Run

2010-08-04T22:25:00.003+08:00

As with my previous posting, I am increasing my training from 7km to 12km at least twice weekly. My office is near to Bishan park and can link to Thomson area so I managed to map a 12.48km running route which will take me from my office in AMK ave 10, past the 2 Bishan park, past Thomson Yaohan (Opp the road I running on), past the Thomson civil defence station at marymount road, past Raffles JC and finally pass Junction 8. End point is at office of course.

I have been taking this route since last friday and it is physically very challengingly as there are many traffic lights which will require me to stop and boy once the momentum is broken, it's very difficult to start running again.

I attaching the map here so if there are any runners my area can refer to. Happy Running :)

Daily Life: Training for Marathon

2010-07-23T22:09:00.002+08:00

It's not the first time I take part in marathons but its the first time I actually start training before it started. I been running since April (I think) for 2 rounds at the Bishan Canal every Wednesdays or tues and thursday.

With the Army Half marathon (AHM) just round the corner in Sept, I decided to up the distance from 7.2km to 11km starting today. That will be 3 rounds at the canal and twice a week. Physically it's very challenging as it's after a days work and most people will hang out at bar instead of running.

One very clear advantage of running to me is for me to purge my anger. Its very easy to get angry in my line of work and things tend to go out of hand easily. Since I cannot blow up my co-workers everything something screw up, running is one avenue for me to 'run the anger' away.

IT: Take apart sony notebook

2010-07-05T19:23:00.003+08:00

My boss has a Sony notebook which for some reasons unable to startup. I tried to run all methods and still unable to solve it so I decided to take out the hard disk. Its should be a simple task since most business notebooks memory and hard disk are easily accessible. Wrong!! not for Sony. To take out the hard disk on their notebook, I have to literally take apart the whole notebook.

It reminds me of Germany technology during World War II. Very technology driven but failed to win as too complex to repair on the field.

In any case, I have to search on youtube and luckily some other guys also has the same problem so show me how to take apart the notebook. I have uploaded the clip here so that others too can know how to do it.

Daily Life: July... Second half of the year

2010-07-02T19:09:00.002+08:00

Ok. Finally got time to write something down on my blog after sooooo long. I was super busy with lots of projects and personal items. Now with July in, I can start on next phase of my IT projects and hopefully complete them in time.

I am now currently supporting both SG, MY and India IT items. MY is more like technical consultant to my colleagues in MY on infrastructure. There are much to be done at MY side when compare with SG end so it should keep in highly motivated for a while.

On health side, I am running more recently. Twice a week clocking 7.5km each time. Partly is to train for my marathon in Sept and Dec and partly to de-stress. Its either I blow up my colleagues or I go running to let some stream off. I choose the second one. As I was writing this entry, I just bought a new pair of running shoes to replace my previous New Balance one which broke down after my last marathon in Dec 2009. The new one is still New Balance but it's not a motion control but a stability shoe, model MR769SB. Its on offer at sportslink so I took this opportunity to purchase this model at a steep discount which hopefully is suitable for my flat foot running.

Financially, I am still on track to complete some more loan payments this month. With closing these loans, I have more cash to save and pay down other loans. Its important to reduce debt at this time since interest rate are low. Once inflation creeps in and US go into full recession, things will only get worse. I am also on the lookout to buy more silver and gold coins to protect my portfolio. Cash money no longer is safe and silver proves to be a more suitable candidate for saving for the long haul. Of course paper money will still be easier to use but with no value, it just does not makes sense to keep tons of them at money or in the bank.

IT: Dell Vostro 3300 Review

2010-05-25T20:14:00.001+08:00

Dell recently expand its vostro range of notebooks after the success of the V13. One noticeable fault of the V13 is its battery cannot be removed without Dell technicians. It may not sit well with small/medium enterprise where there is IT personals on-site to support such small items like battery change.

A more interesting note is the introduction of the Intel I-core models. V13 is using the SU7300 core 2 duo models which to some, may be too underpowered to operate some more heavy stuff like video editing and engineering software creation. (We tried in the company and has no problems.) I-core has 3 favors, the i3, i5 and the high end i7. For most effective usage, the i5-520 will do well. It's the same processor that powers the review model. Below are the other specs on the review model

Processor: Intel i5-520M 2.4Ghz
RAM: 3GB upgradeable to 8GB
Graphics: Intel Graphics GM4500HD
Display: 13.3" LED with Webcam
Hard disk: 250GB 5400rpm
Optical drive: DVD Writer
Battery: 4-cell Li-Ion
Others: 5-in-1 card reader
3 USB ports with 1 as the E-SATA
802.11b/g/n wireless card
Gigabit Ethernet card
Windows 7 32-bit Professional
VGA-out connector
Bluetooth

The keyboard remains full-sized and despite what dell says, this notebook weighs 1.94kg with 4-cell battery and optical drive n 1.74 without battery but with optical drive. It's not really lightweight but for its price at less than S$1400, it makes attractive deal. The body is same as V13 with the outing as the Aluminum alloy type.

On the whole, the Vostro 3300 is a good buy if the V13 looks a little underpowered. Personally, i will prefer the V13 due to its lightweight (refer to my early review on V13 for more details)Hope I can buy one this coming Christmas :)

Daily Life: Disaster after disaster

2010-05-08T14:09:00.002+08:00

This week is hell for my portfolio. First due to a mistake I lose 73.3% of my capital, then I slowly gain back to my initial capital. Then came yesterday bomb again due to Greece ongoing issue and another round of mistake i make. I lose smaller, 33.3% of my capital.

This is not a typical week so lets see how things work on next week. EU is scrambling to rescue the Euro n its confidence. (latest news on May 8 2010, EU agree to setup a emergency fund to defend Euro)

Daily Life: Closing thoughts for April 2010

2010-05-05T08:26:00.003+08:00

Ok. This is a little late. But better late than never. Starting April, I will attempt to do a summary of my life @ the end of the month. This will allow me to share some thoughts n let people know me more. It will be divided into three sections: financial, work, life.

Financial: This month I managed to get a 56% turnover on my portfolio. It would have been 100% but due to some miscalculation risk management, the profit dropped. But I am learning from my experience and that is in my opinion more important than the profit.

Work: Busy as usual. I did managed to present my IT plan for 2010/2011 to my bosses and they agree to some points stated n shared some further thoughts with me on how to improve. Looks like I am on the right path.

Life: I started running on Wednesdays with my colleagues on my company's healthy lifestyle day n swimming/ playing badminton on Sundays. (Its either swimming or badminton, not both! I am not Iron man).

Ok. That's all for the Month of April. Cannot wait for May to start for another nightmare to conquer or be conquered!!

Daily Life: Running is good for health

2010-04-21T21:00:00.002+08:00

As many may know, I am a runner. For the past few Wednesdays, my company has organized a healthy lifestyle day and the main event is running. There a number of runners in my companies and boy can they run.

Its a good chance for me to exercise on weekdays as I normally work late and seldom go exercise on weekdays unless I am training for my marathons. So the Wednesday's run allow me to get my mind off work for a while and exercise my body/mind. The run starts from my office in techplace 1 and go straight to the bishan MRT repair depot. Behind it is a long waterway which connect all the way to toa payoh so we just run all the way. The distance is 1km to the waterway and the waterway itself is 3.5km so a two rounds at the waterway will work out to be 7km so total distance is 7km+1km+1km=9km.

Way to go runners!!!

Daily Life: Which Insurance do I really need?

2010-04-09T23:35:00.006+08:00

Since the last posting in March 21, I was engaged in many issues solving until I am too dead tired to update the blog. There is only so much I can do with the limited time I have each day. But I managed to put through. Things have quiet down so got time to keep my blog alive with new chapters.

Last sat I was at a seminar on insurance, property and stock investment. The speaker is one who is a millionaire at age 41. There is nothing wrong with that and he gives clear insights on how to achieve 1 million within the time frame he gave himself. One area he touch on is insurance.

It's no brainer to say that most people if not all people have insurance today. What is most unfortunate is most people do not have the proper financial knowledge to choose the correct plan & avoid many pitfalls later in life. Most people will be conned to purchase whole life first. There is nothing wrong with it but lets see things in respective. Whole life is primarily for people who are working or about to enter the work force. Whole life is insurance with cash back, meaning at the end of the insurance term say 20 years, there will be some money paid back from the premium. But the payback is not guaranteed and due to the financial crisis of 2007-2009, most whole life are losing money. Moreover if we sit down to calculate the premium for the whole life policy of the duration, we will most likely find that the premium is more than the money we can get back.

The reason for this is most insurance agents will sell whole life or saving policies to its customer as it generate the most commission. Insurance agents are paid very little and got most of their income from commission. The most basic insurance that all people should get in my opinion, is medical insurance. The thinking is very logical, it is more likely we will fall sick at any point in our life be it 20,30 or 50 but we are less likely to die at 35,40 unless there is a major illness. There is a saying 'its easier to die than be sick'. it illustrates the high cost of medical coverage be it in Singapore or any parts of the world.

And not just any medical insurance. Those that cover private & government hospital and will reimburse the bill 'as charged' are the best medical insurance money can buy. Meaning if say the patient has a heart operation and is charged $150,000 for the stay and everything else, the insurance will pay full sum vs one who got pro-rated insurance coverage. Yes there will be co-insurance and deductible that the patient has to pay from his/her own pocket but these will be small compare to a pro-rated or amount based medical insurance.

After getting medical insurance, then a term insurance which cover major illness will be more than enough for the average working Singaporean. Any extra savings/income, there are many other forms of investments that offer better returns than savings (endowment policy) or investment-linked policy.

Do not take my word for it. Do the calculation yourself and you will be surprised by the figures n finally know why some insurance agents can be in the million dollar round table while others are not.

Ps: The earlier one gets medical insurance, the better and whats more, medical insurance can be paid for by medisave (a component in CPF that handles medical)

IT: Asus Eepc 1005PE

2010-03-21T18:44:00.002+08:00

Last week, I followed my friend to go to the IT show at Suntec city to get his netbook/notebook. His requirements are a long battery life and lightweight, most importantly, it must cost less than S$1k. Before the IT show, I think this is like mission impossible since the only netbook will fit his bill. Guess what, his response is he needs it for basic office and small gaming so the netbook is all he is interested in.

So we went about getting squeezed and squeezing people: Singapore people really are IT crazies. The three floors are so packed with people and if ever terrorist set a bomb inside the IT fair, a large no. of Singaporeans will lose someone they know there. My friend was interested in the HP model but after seeing the Ausus 1005PE, he feels it is a better model and we went around 3 different counters selling the same model and look for the best deal.

The Asus Eepc 1005PE is one of the latest Asus netbooks since Asus launch its first netbook back in 2007. The 1005PE uses the latest intel Atom N450. It comes with 1GB Ram (upgradable to 2GB max), chiclet keyboard, webcam, 3 USB ports, VGA-out display port, 250GB hard disk and a 10.1" LCD.

It's basic standard stuff on today's netbook; anything less is over-priced. The raised trackpad is easy to operate and with its bumps design, it makes good tracking. The keyboard is another feature I personally like. It is spaced wide enough for use & comfortable to type on.

The battery was supposed to last 14 hours. Doubt it is possible but even with 7 hours of continuous usage (on wireless n surf web), it is a good buy at S$578 and weighs in at 1.27kg with battery.

The software bundle includes office 2007 home and student edition (60 days trial), trend micro internet security (60 days trial) Adobe Flash player, PDF reader and Asus software. I did not have the chance to play the software but i did remove the trial software and install office XP SBE and Avast 5.0 Anti-virus home edition. The OS is using Windows 7 starter edition and operates fast after the trial software are installed. Think office 2007 is still not suitable for use on netbook regardless of what Microsoft says. The N450 processor did run the installation fast and operate fast enough unlike the N280 which I used to try on earlier.

Daily Life: Jack Neo? Who's he

2010-03-13T14:15:00.002+08:00

Recently there has been a lot of talks on Mr Jack Neo. Who's he as some of my foreign friends asked me. He's one of the more famous Singapore home-grown artistes turned director. But this time round, what is famous is not his works but on his sex affair with some of his leads and other woman of his life other than his wife.

Personally I do not see anything important on his affair nor his laughable press conference on thursday. that is his own life and it is only brought out to the public eye by the press because he is a famous character. I think many social workers in Singapore will agree with me that it is very common to see married man getting involved with younger women nowadays. Its very common in the entertainment industry or political world to see such happenings. Only ignorant Singaporeans will think it is anything important, it's a complete waste of time.

Even though I feel sorry for his wife, i think only Mr Jack Neo can do whatever he can to attempt to save his marriage or family if that is still important to him. Let the couple settle it within themselves and move on with their lives. After-all, I do not know them nor really care enough to see if his marriage survives or not.

Daily Life: Whats Next

2010-03-03T00:19:00.002+08:00

This 2 weeks has been very busy for me. Firstly we have 2 power failure on Monday (right after CNY) which cause my phone system to go down after the second power failure. I have no choice but to seek professional help; the vedict was what i fear most, change to a new one. My old one was a philips IS180 ISDN-30 PABX. Worst of all the whole PABX is sold to a new owner (previously belong to philips) 5 years ago so there is no more spare parts available for repair.

Luck my vendor whom has been working with us for a long while, was willing to cut his profit margin and charge a reasonable rate for the new system and installation. The installation took 3 days and was faster than expected. My team was able to deploy the phones earlier (everything needs to change, the system plus the phones only the cables remains) so the vendor spent less time doing the setup and can focus on getting the PABX up.

Then come the bombshell on Sunday. There was a power shutdown on Sat at 5pm so we brought down our server before hand. On Sunday, I was supposed to on the servers up. All but 2 servers are having issues: one was my file transfer server which has no display while my main server which also house my mail server, got one hard disk spoilt. Luckily we are running on RAID 5 so a single hard disk failure will not caused much damage yet.

The power failure has enforced the need for IT investment to be continued been made and proper setup will keep us safe. By running RAID 5, we will waste one hard disk space but in return, our infrastructure can withstand a certain degree of failure. Now these few weeks will be planning for upgrades to be in place in case the servers also go down one by one.

Daily Life: What's for lunch today?

2010-02-18T23:49:00.002+08:00

Normally I only take subway meals on Sats as a form of reward when I go back to office to work over the weekend. This week is CNY week, so Saturday I should not be going back. Since today I am working, I decided to pack my lunch first before going to office. One of my friend was having tuna for lunch and she seems to be enjoying it so I ordered that for lunch.

For starters I am not a fan of fish due to its fishy smell and on first bite, I think the tuna has a mild fishy smell. I have taken canned tuna and Ayam brand is the one I love so far. Many people will say eat more fish as it is white meat, more healthier.

For me, i still like my cold cut trio or subway melt. Tuna is only so-so. I will take it as a refreshing change from the usual menu when i order from subway.

Daily Life: CNY 2010 Eve

2010-02-13T11:36:00.002+08:00

Today mark the first anniversary of my second aunt's death. Her passing did not go unnoticed by the family. Early in the morning of Feb 13, my brothers and I, accompanying my mum and my surviving aunts went to the ancestral temple to pay our respect to her n my grandfather (he passed away in 1995, when I was in Sec 5)

The temple is crowded with people. Guess the new generation is no longer afraid to pay respect to the dead during chinese new year. It was a taboo to do it in the olden times and remains for many chinese families with strong traditional background.

Daily Life: Will insurance cover cyclists?

2010-02-12T09:21:00.004+08:00

Recently I noticed that more and more bicycle cyclists are on the roads. Some of them ride around with no regards to traffic rules and/or ride on the pedestrian wallkways. Their behavior mirrored a road thug who honk away for other to make way for them.

Even though I know some cyclists do have good cycling habits, many more don't and simply do not feel that they care in the first place. I am wondering if there will be one insurance policy that covers cyclists.

It is a accident waiting to happen. We already has motor insurance and personal insurance. So if there are insurance companies out there monitoring my blog, maybe this is a good business opportunity.

IT: The Attack of Netbooks

2010-02-02T15:17:00.005+08:00

The Financial recession of 2007-2009 has forced many companies to shelve or reduce their IT budget. Intel and AMD seeing that many of its customers cut back orders, go into low-cost processor which is used to power the netbooks. Intel Atom series of processor was introduced by Asus in 2008. Since then, HP, Dell, Acer and many other traditional PC/notebooks manufacturer come up with their Netbook varieties.

One of them is the Acer AspireOne series. The review model is the ZA3; Serial no:A0751H introduced in June 2009. It is powered by a Intel Atom Z520 1.3Ghz processor and comes with 2GB Ram and 160GB hard disk. It comes with either Windows XP Home or Linux editions.

As with most Netbooks, it has a webcam installed on its 11.6" LCD screen. The keyboard is well spaced and is suitable even for large fingers like mine. Its 6-cell battery life can last 4 to 8 hrs of usage and total weight is about 1.3kg. For interfaces, it has 3 USB 2.0 ports one VGA port, one Realtek Gigabit LAN port and a SD/MMC/Memory stick card reader. The Atheros 802.11b/g Wireless adapter top up the netbook.

Performance wise, been a Atom powered, it can never fight with a notebook. But given its low cost, it fulfill its usage as a basic notebook for web surfing. light gaming & basic office editing. Anything more and the netbook will crawl. The 2GB ram did make things a little more bearable.

IT: First Look at Dell Vostro V13

2010-01-27T19:33:00.006+08:00

Last Nov, Dell came up with a new lightweight notebook for its vostro line. It's not surprising that new notebook line are created during the recession. HP did it with their Probook line of SME notebooks. What is surprising is the V13 looks so much like the Apple macbook. I think Dell took a leaf out of Apple design and combine it with Latitude class design.

The design should have come out of the same mold as the higher end Dell Adamo series notebooks. Most of the interface are in the back-end block of the notebook. I doubt the LCD can fold all the way back but i do not think anyone do that any way except for a tablet PC.

The cover is a magnesium alloy surface, similar to the old Latitude D620 and D630 models. It is less prone to leave oily finger marks and give it a corporate look. The specs of the notebooks is also not sub-standard. The Processor is a Intel ULV SU-7300 which is a common processor in today's thin and light weight notebooks like the MSI X340 and HP Probook 5310m. The review model comes with 2GB ram (expandable to 4GB Max)& 500 GB 7200rpm hard disk (normal is 320GB). For interface, it has 2 USB ports (1 is used for quick charge), external VGA port.

The 13.3" LCD comes with webcam. There is also a SD/MMC/CF card reader. I still do not know the use for a express card in singapore but guess there must be some needs for them. The keyboard is full sized and springy. It does not have the same 'click' as the latitude D620 but it is close enough to be one of the better keyboard I have used.

How well the notebook perform in real life, we will review it in a later entry.

Daily Life: First week back at work

2010-01-23T00:59:00.003+08:00

Finally it's friday. I have survived for one week after I am back from my 2 weeks reservist stint. I cannot imagine how busy I was. First we have problems with the network then I have to make many IT purchases within a short span of 2 days. The IT vendors also started calling up for sales leads which can be quite tiring to discuss, how much budget do they really think a manufacturing SME has anyway given that last year was a disaster for all.

The worst of all i have one dept whose printer has broken down every few days since I took over in Sept last year until I cannot resolve it by my means. I still awaiting the repair status as the vendor schedule is so tight he is only free to resolve my problem on coming Wednesday morning. I also got into application programming when one of the application got some issues which I thought was resolved before I left for my reservist. Guess I really cannot trust my own colleagues to test and feedback to me. I really see a feedback issue with how the various dept do not talk to each other and MIS looks like the glue. It gets tiring sometimes.

Lets see how the last week of Jan 2010 has in store for me. Game on.... towards the known and unknown come hell or heaven.

Daily Life: In the Army....

2010-01-09T14:37:00.002+08:00

I started my new year in camp training. It's a 2 weeks course continuing from Dec one week. As the unit I am in is undergoing ATEC, this will be a very tough in-camp.

As usual, I am given the post of the CQ (short for Company Quartermaster), also known as the one who is in charge of logistics and everything under the sun/moon/rain etc. Its a very tiring task-at-hand given the no. of action items going on concurrently and it is a nightmare trying to get things done correctly and quickly.

I am so tired that I feel that I have more rest in civilan as a Senior IT engineer than in my reservist but well, it's 2 weeks and I have survived one week of hell. Just one more week before I can close the ICT and move on with my objectives for 2010.

For those who are in In-Camp Training (ICT), cheers and good luck. We will all need it one way or another.

Daily Life: 2009 in a nutshell

2009-12-31T22:31:00.004+08:00

In a blink of an eye, today is the last day of 2009. Its a year of trouble, pain, sorrow, joy and laughter.

The year started with the death of one of my aunt from lung cancer. Her death is on the eve of the Chinese New year and is keenly felt by all. While at work, I was thrust into a major project in Malaysia and managed to gain valuable experience from it. The successful removal of security threats and windows 2000 from my company remains one of my noted achievement so far in the company. It's a on-going process and remains a key infrastructure concern. This year also see more involvement in business process and I am hopeful MIS will move to be a key supporting pillar for business decisions and move the company forward in 2010.

I also spend more time managing my blog, updating any IT issues, point of concerns and tech reviews. Some of my colleagues who read it feel that it provides a place where they can find some un-basis-ed reviews and I feel encouraged by their remarks. Even though I do not track my readers nor do i wish to, I will continue to keep my blog updated and post more suitable articles. :)

Financially, I managed to adjust my life-style to fit my limited budget and re-pay some of the loans I took during my ill-fated attempt of 2007. I also managed to contribute positively to online forums for some investments I made (due to nature of the investment, I will not say too much currently). I am seeing rewards from these investments and though small, they reinforce my belief in the trading system and will allow me to grow more in 2010.

I still managed to find time out to exercise and train for my Dec 42.195km marathon. It's been 3 to 4 years since I last took part and still managed to complete despite older and heavier. I will continue to train and hope to do better come 2010 marathon.

For love life, things are business as usual. guess this is a area I have much to catch up on. But I will prefer to be single rather than hurt a unsuitable love partner. Since age is catching up, I think I will prefer to go for more sustainable relationship where end-results will be marriage. But still, it's a thought and I will let nature take its due course.

I do have many friends who either got married or upgrade to become fathers and mothers alike. I think it is great..... (leave it as it is)

So what's in store of 2010? That will be my first blog entry for 2010 (which is 30 minutes from now)

Happy New Year and good health and wishes!!!!

Daily Life: A sick christmas

2009-12-26T12:48:00.002+08:00

Normally most people will try not to be sick on Christmas and choose to party. I think due to being caught in the rain on Sat the week before, I got a very bad running nose starting from Monday until I have no choice but to visit the doc on Thursday, eve of Christmas.

So I spend the 2009 Christmas sick at home resting. Christmas eve dinner was porridge, steamed fish and vegetables. The medication makes me drowsy and i fall asleep very easily. I did not do anything else beyond sleeping and taking meals.

Daily Life: Its the small things that are overlook which are important

2009-12-23T22:24:00.002+08:00

Two weeks ago I was watching 'House' on cable. The episode is about 6 babies who are infected by a deadly virus within hours of being born in the hospital. House as usual is eager to resolve the case and after 1 death (she was to die as the case to find out which medicine is working and which is not, seems the babies are treated with two different drugs at the same time), managed to isolate the correct drug and save the remaining 5 babies. They are unable to find out the root cause though until the end of the episode.

What happened was House, towards the end, saw a newborn care nurse, a elderly, who was holding a basket of soft toys sneezing away. The nurse was sick and spread the illness unknowingly and unwillingly to the soft toys which are later given to the baby during the visit. It's a small step and often overlooked (the hospital went through a full clean-up).

Likewise in life, there are factors that are external and those that can be controlled. Vry small problems like not clearing out the email storage when its full of emails that are either for info or keep for the '
what if' situation. We failed to see the big picture and understand that by our in-actions or lack of actions, we may doom the email system (just a example). There are many more such cases, like casual sex, speeding on the road etc.

Let 2010 be the year we remind ourselves to see the picture and fully understand that no matter how small the issue is, it's impact on the big picture is real and huge regardless of what it is.

Daily Life: Failure at Copenhagen not a surprise

2009-12-21T15:32:00.003+08:00

The Denmark state of Copenhagen will always be remembered as the place where the world failed to see eye-to-eye and failed to see the impact of climate change to each nation representable or not in the Climate Change conference.

It did not surprised me when the talks failed to come out with anything to resolve the so called 'save the world'. The last time the world stand united was during World War II and that is because US was bombed by Japan in 1941 at Pearl Harbor which forced US to join in the war. Even back then, the united font did not last long (the start of the cold war should be in 1945 and not 1950 as many thought)

Many leaders failed to see that climate change does not divide itself between rich or poor or middle class, as long as we live on this earth, we are affected from Greenland to Australia.

It remains to see if a useful resolution will ever be passed in regards to saving the environment; until then, it's a 'wish us all good luck' situation.

Daily Life: What I am doing at home during leave

2009-12-15T17:03:00.004+08:00

As 2009 comes to an end, many people will be going on leave or on vacation with family. For me, as the better half of 2009 was busy with deployments in both SG and MY, I am unable to take leave. So I was clearing leave for the second to fourth week of Dec.

But what to do at home? Luckily there is the internet so I can 1) Blog on this entry and 2) watch my taiwan variety show on youtube 3) research on IT projects for year 2010/2011.

I also take this time to recharge myself for the first half of 2010 where I will be very busy deploying new technologies in the company and negotiate new deals. I also go for my runs (a follow-up on my marathon in earlier entry)

(PS: The photo was taken in this year when I was in KL over the weekend to celebrate my brother's birthday (he was posted to KL office for 2 months))

Daily Life: Standard Chartered Marathon 2009

2009-12-06T21:37:00.007+08:00

It's been 3 years since i last took part in the standard chartered marathon. It requires constant training and discipline to wake up very early 3.30am on the day of race, spend cab money to go there and then run like hell, bearing pain all the way until the race ends and later in the first week.

But today, I took part once again in the race as my colleague was not able to attend so ask me if i wish to take part. I started training early but in-regular and i pay the price later in the day. My brother was kind enough to give me a ride to city hall in the morning. (I paid a token of S$10 for the fuel)

The race started at 5.30am and with 50,000 runners this year round, all i see is people and more people at the start line. The first 10k was running as usual. With 50,000 running feet, it generate enough momentum to carry me through. Halfway between 13K and 16K mark, I run into my NS CSM. I did not know he got run and we talked a little before each moving on. The next 15k was hell, I was getting drenched in sweat and in need of salt but i continue to run at a lower pace. By the 28k mark, my ankle is so painful that i cannot continue for a while so i started walking onwards for the next 8k. By the time I left east coast park, it is already 10am. This time i ran with my iphone so i can keep track of the time and take some photos on the way.

The 11am to 12am sun was killing, Singapore weather is hot and humid. I feel sticky all over and wants to fall out around the 34k mark but since I already clear so much and with many runners moving to the side to warm-up and walkers become more, I grin and started jogging. Ignoring my ankle pain, I continue until the 38k mark and took a breather.

At the F1 circuit with another 4k more, I started to jogged and was glad for the effort. I started moving ahead of the walking pack and move past pacers which i have earlier marked. There were many nice girls running and wanted to move closer to them to chat. But since this is a race and the afternoon sun is getting louder, I decided to move on. By the time I reach the finish line, its 12.18pm.

Its a very fulfilling journey and glad to know that there are many more runners now than before. Even though many walked, their momentum carried me through. My knee and ankle are so painful that walking up and down stairs become a challenge. All during the run, my stomach also gives me a lot of problem, I have to let off gas while running (to the horror of the one running behind me). My ASCIS shoes which has serviced me since 2001 for all my marathons finally give way after the finish point. It has served me well and I will continue to purchase ASCIS shoes or New Balance depending on whether they have for flat foot.

IT: First look at HP Probook 5310M

2009-11-26T21:26:00.003+08:00

With the introduction of the Probook series, HP is attempting to engage the SME markets where brands like acer, dell etc are doing for some time. Its latest, the HP Probook 5310M is primarily design as a thin-and-light notebook for executive of SMEs with limited budget.

Below are the specs of the reviewed 5310M
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo SP9300 2.26Ghz
Memory: 2GB
Hard dis: 320GB 5400rpm
Screen: 13.3" LCD with webcam
Optical Drive: external DVD writer multi-format
Card reader: can read SD/MMC only
Graphics: Intel GMA 4500HDA graphics card
Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless 802.11a/b/g/n, Gigabit LAN
OS: Windows 7 business 32-bit
Additional ports: VGA, display port (Apple make this infamous)3 USB
Battery: 4 Cell offering up to 2 1/2 hours usage
Weight: 1.72kg with 4-cell battery
Warranty: 1 year standard next business day

At first glance, furnishing is gloss corporate black. So oily finger marks are not so visible on the notebook. The keyboard is nothing to shout at, I think all probook keyboard have the same feel. It is very comfortable to type on the notebook.

In the next review, we will look into the performance of this notebook using Windows 7 business 32-bit.

Daily Life: How I spent my weekends

2009-11-22T22:32:00.002+08:00

Weekends are very precious to the family. It is during these times where fathers and mothers spend some quality time with their children or elders. it is a time to relax and recharge for the coming week.

For me, weekends are time I can do more quality work. That is part of being in IT, holidays and weekends are time we can perform maintenance on servers without users scream for our blood when servers go down. But even as workaholic, I prefer to spend my weekends at home, surfing the internet, watching youtube movies or tudou movies online (current my favorite pastime) or having a game of badminton with my friends/ go running.

I seldom go shopping except for important daily items. I love visiting the library though, especially level 11, 8 and 7. level 11 is where the magazines are so i can get to know latest info and entertainment news, level 8 is the finance section where i can catch on investment know-how while level 7 contains IT reference section where I spend some time looking for some workarounds or solutions for the company.

So how u spend ur weekends? Is it any different from mine? Care to share your thoughts here.

Daily Life: Can love cure anger?

2009-11-12T19:38:00.002+08:00

Recently maybe due to working pressure to perform plus other issues with other sites, I feel that i get angry very easily. Take today for example, I am supposed to be on leave but due to a server issue, I decided to get back office to resolve the problem. The manager that reported the problem to me got whack by me.... Of course the problem did not lay with him nor do i not know the company culture. What cause me to be angry is the users suggest the the previous support staff just switch on/off the server and the problem went away.

I was totally blown off after this comment as 1) the support staff is no longer with the company 2)what he did no one knows else him and the problem does not gets resolved. it just get side-track and pile up into another issue by itself. I first hand saw what damage the ex support staff did and people who knows the truth know that I have every reason to be angry.

But as a infrastructure engineer, I know that with the problem faced by the manager, there is no way for his dept to perform effectively and it will directly impact MIS and give people more reason to 'screw' us up. I managed to identify the root cause and resolved it before 10.30am.

Since I am on leave, I went home after that and went for a 6-lap run (a lap around my estate is about 600m). I feel de-stress after that. But how long I can last like that I wonder? Somebody say love can smooth a wild beast, I doubt any girl is willing to take the risk..... to save.....

Well lets take a day as it goes and keep in mind that I need to keep calm.....

Daily Life: What's ur favourite subway sandwich

2009-11-01T21:52:00.002+08:00

As I normally work on Saturdays, I try to give myself a treat on that day. All weekdays I will be taking normal hawker food like laska, chicken rice, mixed vegetable rice, fishball noodles and others. Sometimes if my colleague is having lunch with his wife, I will ask him to help me buy Mac cheeseburger. Not that it is healthy, but it is the cheapest burger I can afford @ $2 a piece.

So with the money saved (S$10 per day for meals is not a big deal in Singapore context but to me it is...), I will balance it with a subway sandwich on Saturdays. Why subway? well, it has good bread like my favorite, hearty Italian and lots of vegs. I love vegs but cannot live without meat yet.

My top three choices are subway melt, cold cut trio and italian B.M.T. Except for onions, I will take all vegs and have honey mustard as the sauce. When I am very on the ball, I will take only olive oil if they do have.

Whats urs?

IT: Windows 7 hype or the real deal?

2009-10-25T22:09:00.005+08:00

Windows 7 was launched worldwide on Oct 22. Its the replacement for vista which unfortunately is a failed product since XP. Vista's heavy memory usage plus security orientated settings though good, failed to win the hearts of many XP users including business like my company.

Despite deployed successfully Vista business on some workstations and desktop in production environment, our testing conclude that Vista business even when locked down, does not provide the stability nor performance of XP Pro. so when Windows 7 Professional (not the RTM version) is available for us 2 months before the Oct 22 launch to test, we decided to test it out.

To my surprise, it's 1) fast to install when compare to Vista business and provided most of the device drivers, more than XP Pro. We tried both a upgrade from Vista to Windows 7 & a fresh installation of Windows 7. both result are the same: good! 2) its memory demands is low, we test on a Core duo machine running on 512MB ram and it performs like XP Pro, stable and fast.

Its interface needs to get use to; users of vista OS should not have any problem with Windows 7. We also tested our existing applications like Sophos AV, SAP, engineering software like UG NX4 etc on windows 7 and do not encounter any issues despite that these applications are designed more for XP Pro.

I like the User Access control (UAC) which was a nightmare in Vista OS. Windows 7's UAC is less noisy and provides the necessary protection we are looking for.

On the whole, I think Microsoft do address the shortcoming of the vista OS with the windows 7 OS. Looks like I have to work out the migration plan to change some if not machines to Windows 7.

IT: Review on MSI X340

2009-10-18T07:22:00.004+08:00

Today we will look at the MSI X340 notebook. Its design is a copy from the Apple Macbook Air n Dell Adamo. Like the apple and dell models, it does not have a built-in dvd writer and uses a standard USB external drive.

Its strongest point is its price, retailed at S$1300 for a standard base unit, it is at least 35% cheaper than its peers-in-class while keeping the same weight and thickness.

Below are its specs
Intel Core 2 Solo U1400 1.4Ghz
2GB Ram
320GB Hard disk
Full sized keyboard
1.3M Webcam
2 USB ports
1 VGA port
SD, MMC media reader
Intel Wireless 5100N adapter
Boardcomm Giga-E Lan adapter
56K Modem (Do people still use it???)
13.4" LCD
Windows Vista Home Premium
1.3kg for weight/w battery, Dimensions: 330 x 224 x 19.8 mm
Warranty: 1 year international, 2nd year local

Daily Life: Guess who's birthday is it?

2009-10-11T12:28:00.004+08:00

So whose birthday was it? Its so easy unless the reader is only into the enterinment news for the past 10 years.

Its Jim Roger's birthday. No his birthday was not on Oct 10, just that since he was at the Wealth Asia Summit 09 and his birthday is just 9 days away, I think the organizer decide to give him a surprise. He has aged much since I last saw him on newspaper 3 years ago. He and his family are now living in Singapore and his insight into the world economy still remains valid.

Though what he shared with us was not something new to me, it just confirm something that I shared with many, US is on the decline and USD will suffer as a result. Oil has peaked for the past 10 years and the only way for prices is to go up since supply has more or less dwindling while demand is growing. The rise of china will in not doubt happen even though short term there will be falls and challenges ahead. (just look at US grow into a superpower for clues)

Daily Life: In the darkness hour, comes hope

2009-10-11T12:13:00.002+08:00

For many people, investing and/or trading whether in stock, forex, futures and ETFs are a mystery and something not to be taken lightly. Some has taken the path to greatness while most have fallen short of their target and stop in their tracks.

Before 30, I knew that any failure is acceptable and given time can recover the loss made. This year, I think this mindset is being changed to 'failure is no longer a option I will even think about'. The sudden change in mindset was set in motion since my birthday where I plan on what I want to achieve within the next 4 years.

My passion still remains in IT, that is why I do not have any problem working in my company for so long as I am continuously learning and shaping the way IT is run and operate in the company (its not mine anyway but I feel responsible towards it)

My trading so far was being flat at best. I am still learning and fine-tuning the system I was taught and modifying them to suit my needs. Its not prefect but as long as it works, who care. Yesterday I was at the Wealth Asia summit (WAS) 09 and another channel was created, internet marketing. It's a area I am not too familiar with since my last encounter with the World internet summit 1 year ago.

At the WAS 09, I see failure and success at the same time. I believe in no-get-rich-scheme so hard work is in stock for my new venture into internet marketing. Given my financial background, I know that trading and internet marketing will become 2 of my important income source other than my job. From then will I look at real estate investment and other channels; Now is to be focus on one thing than be side-track by other investment vehicle. After all I know i am not very good at multi-tasking investing in various investment tools.

Daily Life: Nice sunset

2009-09-28T22:22:00.005+08:00

On Sat, I was working late and went home around 6.45pm. While on the way from office to the bus stop to take my bus home, I saw a nice sunset and decided to take a shot at it using my iphone.

Not too bad... The car rushing past remains me to keep focus on my goals in life and stop to take a look around, to enjoy the sunset over the horizon. It may not be gloom but its the small things that make one's life enjoyable.

:) 2 days before end of Sept.... Oct here I come.

Daily Life: A song to sing my in most..... emotions

2009-09-22T22:10:00.005+08:00

I was watching MTV on Monday night after a days work when I came across a new song by 陶喆. The song is called '暗戀'. Its meaning is to secretly in love with someone but the person do not know.

It sings out certain part of my life when such things do happen. When listing to the song, it still does.... lets leave it at that and enjoy this music video (MV)

陶喆 - 暗恋

Still lonely still lonely
昨晚又再见到你你还是那么美丽
我紧张到话都不会说就傻傻看着你
渴望永远这距离就是和你在一起
醒来发现这一切都只是我的梦境
告诉自己要冷静却又无法不想你
我的懦弱已经开始让我讨厌我自己
是你对我有戒心还是我没有自信
可是谁也不能阻止我我要暗恋你
So lonely
So here I am standing all alone
在某个街头有个我在这里只为你等候
Here I am waiting just for you
开放我所有希望你能了解你能够接受
So lonely
今晚渴望再见你虽然只是在梦想
短暂的甜蜜也胜过了一辈子没有你
就算没快乐结局就算从此死了心
我要付出我所有诚意只要能感动你
我愿意
so here I am standing all alone
在某个街头有个我在这里只为你等候
Here I am waiting just for you
开放我所有我要为你怎么做你才接受我 (才接受我)
我喜欢你 (我喜欢你) 我要你 (我要你) 我爱你
So here I am standing all alone(standing all alone)
在某个街头有个我在这里只为你等候
So here I am waiting just for you
开放我所有希望你能了解你能够接受
I'm lonely
故事就说到这里就算你们再好奇
我想说的都已说完了其余是秘密
在那某一个街头会流传某个旋律
那是我在轻轻唱着歌我多爱你Janine

Daily Life: Older and wiser?

2009-09-21T14:25:00.003+08:00

Today I celebrate my 31st Birthday. Even though its a public holiday following the hari Raya holiday on Sept 20 (which is on Sunday this time round), I am back in office working.

Since there is no one to celebrate my birthday with me, I choose to give myself a treat of Mac fish fillet meal (up-size of course); that's lunch. Dinner should be a homely affair with home cooked food (I doubt my aunts/mum remember my birthday anyway so its will be a simple daily meal instead).

As I take stock of my situation, I realize I am 4 years away to get my own flat.... yeah... finally become a property I can call my own. The other way to own a flat in Singapore is to get married or better very rich to afford a private apartment. Since I am single and I do not wish to impose unhappiness on any females, I choose to wait until 35. Foolish? No. I do not think so. I do not see a point in getting married just to get a flat... its too much a gamble ones life-long happiness on a few months of pleasure being a property owner. Rich? (look below)

Financially I am broke... yes.. very broke.... I still servicing loans taken earlier for my studies and ill-fated investments. Well, its not too painful as long as I learn from them. A bright spot: I finishing one loan in 1 months time so I am one step closer to close all my loans... then I can go on to invest in other things like going to the gym or swimming (these things need $$)

Spiritually, I do not know if i still count myself as a christian, its being so long since I went to church and from what i last heard, all my old friends at TRBC are either gone to other churches or like myself, fallen to the sidelines. Will I go back? That answer i do not even know it myself... too much has changed and I too have changed... nothing will be the same again.

So Happy Birthday to you, Tzewen from Tzewen. (if you do not take care of yourself, there is no one to do that for you.) :)

Daily Life: Are we donating correctly?

2009-08-30T17:27:00.006+08:00

As I have too much unfinished work, I went to Toa payoh after lunch to take a bus to office. While at Toa Payoh, I saw groups of people asking for donation to the Taiwan typhoon victims.

Even though I did not donate, I cannot help to wonder if the full sum of these donations will go to the victims or be spirited away to some people's pocket. Given that this year that have been many cases of such scams, it is no wonder I will believe so.

The organizer of such donation could assure the public by thanking the public for their kind faith and share with us the amount given so that at least the public is aware the money indeed went to these victims; whether will someone in taiwan will take the money for their own use is another matter by itself.

It maybe a blessing to give than to take but wary is the fool who gives without thoughts.

IT: Review on HP Mini 5101 Part 2- Software and Summary

2009-08-30T17:08:00.003+08:00

In part 1, we review on the hardware specs of the new HP mini 5101. In Part 2, we will talk more on the software package and its performance.

HP choose to package 5101 with either XP home or XP Pro downgrade from Vista business. Whether Windows 7 will be offered for this model, there is still no announcement from HP yet. But given the better performance of Windows 7 vs Vista Business, there is no business reason for HP not to offer Windows 7 when it is officially launched in Oct 22 2009.

As with all XP based netbooks, the 2GB ram did improve the response of this unit. It boot up fast and office 2003 sp3 runs smoothly. If no one say this is a netbook, we will think we are looking at a Core Duo machine of similar specs. Corel office comes bundled with the 5101; we choose to remove it and use office 2003 instead. Office 2007 is more resource intensive so I will not advise on it unless the user can live with the performance degradation.

On engineering software side, we install Solidworks E-drawings 2009 and Autovue 19.3 and surprisingly, it works better than the Dell latitude 2100. Again we do not know if the RAM did play a significant part but given that this is the only difference between the two models, we choose to believe RAM indeed play a role here. The small screen size is a let-down unfortunately. I do not think anyone in their right mind will install full fledged engineering software like Solidworks 2009, UG NX6 etc on a netbook so we did not test on them.

For security software, we tested AVAST home, AVG home and symantec. Only avast offer good performance-cost-security ratio vs the rest. AVG slow down the machine a lot; initially we thought the machine is infected. Symantec runs reasonably well but as a pay-to-use product, it does not find favor in our budget section.

For warranty, one can choose either 1 year or 3 years. As measure, we advise a 3 years warranty as a better form of insurance.

In Summary, the HP mini 5101 is moving in the correct direction for corporate netbook manufacturers to follow. As more and more processor power gets tapped in netbook, it will not be long before netbook be a common item among corporate users.

IT: Review on HP Mini 5101 Part 1- Hardware

2009-08-22T23:32:00.010+08:00

Netbooks is getting very popular nowadays. Not just they are light (<1.5kg), they offer acceptable processor performance. They are moving into the range of previously expensive thin-light notebook models.

HP being the leader of the IT pack, revamp its netbook range and offer the HP Mini 5101. Its weight of 1.2kg caught my attention and so does it thickness. When compare with the Dell Latitude 2100, another business-class netbook, the 5101 looks space-age and has the feel of a high-end thin-and-light notebook due to its same chassis design as the HP Pro-book series. The keyboard is 95% full-size and is very responsive when typing with thick fingers like myself.

The intel processor is Z280 1.6Ghz, 512KB L2 cache comes standard with 1GB ram. There are two slots for the RAM so it can go up to 4GB of Ram which is a lot for a netbook. (The review unit comes with 2GB Ram (single slot)) Its 160GB hard disk with HP driveguard (for shock protection) provides more than sufficient storage space for daily office usage. There is option to get up a 300GB hard disk. Even though the reviewed model only has a 10.1" LCD with webcam capable of only 1300x600, the picture contrast and pixel is very sharp and detailed.

For connectivity, it has 3 USB port with one of the USB double-up as a quick charge connector (charge USB devices like iphone when netbook is not on) and VGA port.There is also the Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11n wireless adapter. If 3G mobile broadband is need, there is option to add one in. A 2-in-1 media card reader for SD and MMC rounds up the netbook. There is the option of purchasing with a 6 cell battery instead of the standard 4 cell battery (2 hours of continuous video playing usage).

Having used the acer netbook and asus models, the HP mini 5101 is a very much improved version. In the next review, we will talk more about software and OS system performance of this netbook.

IT: Review on Dell Vostro 1220 Notebook

2009-08-17T13:39:00.003+08:00

This is a review on a Dell Vostro 1220 Notebook. As per my previous posting on the Vostro class notebooks, they are Dell's answer to SME who are tight on budget and still need cost effective notebooks.

The Vostro 1220 is a improvement upgrade from 1200 and 1210 models. The chassis remains similar in design. Below are the specs of the reviewed notebook
Core 2 Duo P8600 2.4Ghz 3MB L2 Cache
2x1GB DDR2-800 Ram (can go up to 8GB)
250GB Hard Disk
Tray loaded 8X DVD writer
Vista Business downgrade to XP Pro
Intel 5100 802.11N wireless
Integrated Intel X4500MHD Graphics card
12.1" LCD with 1.3M Webcam
Gigibit Ethernet LAN and Bluetooth
3-in-1 Media Reader (can read SD & MMC cards; the third format I have no idea which one)
3 USB Ports
1 VGA Port
1 Express-card slot
1 RJ-11 Port
1 Wireless on/off toggle switch
6-cell battery (about 4hrs of normal usage)
1 year on-site warranty

Most users do not need large L2 cache processor; a 3MB L2 will do very well for heavy office usage and basic engineering design usage.6MB L2 cache is more appropriate for those doing high-end designing.

The Keyboard feel is similar to the 1310 (see previous posting), has a fuller feel and is about 95% full-size so makes typing easier despite the notebook small size. There is no trial software installed like Mcafee free 60 days etc so makes installation of user's own anti-virus easier and cleaner. Since the notebook is installed with XP Pro, it is faster in operation vs using Vista business; Windows 7 will be a better OS vs Vista business and XP Pro. There is a free upgrade from Dell for those who purchase their notebooks from July to Oct 2009. Windows 7 will be out in last week of Oct 2009

The weight of the notebook is advertised at 1.52kg but we feel the weight should be at 1.7kg to 1.8kg given the above configuration and most users carry the adapter together with the notebook.

Dell could do better by designing the notebook to be slimmer like its inspiron 13 but on the whole, I do recommend this notebook for those who needs cost-effective light weight notebooks. Those who are into notebook design can choose other models.

Daily Life: Insurance.... do i need it? Part I

2009-08-15T23:48:00.005+08:00

Someone ask me before, 'do i need insurance? i am still young... etc.' Well insurance industry has been around for the past 20 odd years and nowadays seldom people not know about insurance. What people do not know is what type of insurance is available and what do they really need. So just as well share my experience and knowledge with all. Noted that I am not a insurance agent nor gives accurate advice on what you will need. Pls refer to professional for help while armed with the correct knowledge.

Given we are living in uncertain times where we may have alive today and gone the next, it is important we leave something behind for our loved ones.... even if the amount is small. so what type of insurance do i really need? Insurance can be represented as protection, health and wealth improvement. We will cover protection based insurance policy today.

First, always understand this, a insurance should be bought as a protection tool and not for investment. There are better investment products that gives better returns than using insurance for investment. There are two types of protection type insurance, term and whole life. The difference is term does not have a cash-back value while whole life has. A cash-back value means say we pay $150 as premium for whole life, at the end of say 30 years, there is a X amount of money I will get back when my whole life insurance mature. So what is good about term insurance? For starters, term insurance offers the same protection amount at a reduced rate. Example a man wants to buy a S$500,000 worth of personal protection coverage: Given there is no riders involved, He may pay $300 as premium per month for getting a whole life policy or pay $150 as premium per month for getting a term policy. The extra $150 he save for buying a term policy allows him the choice to purchase another term policy of same coverage, effectively giving him S$1000,000 coverage.

That makes term policy affordable for all regardless of rich or poor. Purchasing a insurance is a long term commitment and should be taken seriously.

Daily Life: Started using Iphone as a phone

2009-08-06T22:33:00.004+08:00

I bought a second hand iphone from US last year. As my samsung phone is still working, I used the iphone primarily as a PDA (jailed-break though). Recently my samsung starts giving me funny problems like cannot sms, cannot call out etc for a while. So I took the decision to use my iphone as its original intention, a smartphone.

I got my colleague to format it to firmware 3.0 and transfer my messages, contacts and other items from the samsung phone to the iphone. As I am using the default SMS client on the iphone, it takes me a while to get used to it. How will I fare.... using the iphone, it needs some getting used to but once hooked, it is hard to go back to any other phones (at least for me). What apps I using now? Below are the top three:

TranSGuide: free and good apps especially for those who travel in Singapore on buses. It shows what bus stops are nearby me using the location function and display the distance I am to the bus stops, the bus no at each bus stop plus their arrival timing

Xe Currency: free and allows me to convert currency based on entering the amount and currency pair. Useful as I travel overseas so need to have a rough idea how much is the exchange rate.

Bloomberg: My all time fav. I cannot do without it. Even though I am IT personal, knowing business news gives me good idea about the economy pulse and negotiate better (talk cock better also)

Daily Life: It's too expensive

2009-07-26T22:39:00.004+08:00

On Friday, my ex- colleagues ask me out for dinner. Since its a long time since i went out and to get to talk with them, I agreed to the dinner. The location is at Sakura Downtown east. I took a 2 hours bus journey (Bus no 88) from Ang Mo Kio central to Downtown east.

It's actually one of my ex-colleagues, angela's birthday. After dinner, my colleagues and I went for a drink at the nearby lounge. We left the place around 12.35am and I took a cab home (my colleagues live around the around so not along the way). The journey actually cost me $16, nearly half of the dinner price. No wonder no one wants to take cab... its too expensive. This will be the last time i go home so late on a cab. I think I have better use of my miserable budget.... then spend on some not necessary transport fees.

Daily Life: No more hair issue

2009-07-19T22:51:00.003+08:00

Today I went for a hair cut. For this two weeks I am not too sure if I wish to go for a full botak (bald in malay) haircut or a crew cut or flat top. The first one I have not tried before while the second and third I have cut these styles before and suits me well.

Well, as they all say, the first step is always the hardest. so I went for a full botak haircut. Not too bad. Guess my head shape and size suits botak hairstyle. There is of course another more personal reasons for having such a total hairstyle, its too hot in Singapore in the morning and I always sweet a lot so keeping my hair out the way is one way to cool my head. The other reason is when trading, the last thing i want is sweat dripping down my head in the night, when the temperature is still high (28 to 30)

How I look? u readers will have to decide.....

Daily Life: Little India truly is Little India

2009-07-12T20:41:00.003+08:00

Today is Sunday and one of the days I am free to go play badminton with my friends. After the game, I walked to one of my army friend's home around the area as he has some problems with his mum's PC.

So I went over and help him solve the problem. His mum's PC is XP home SP3 and the game is suppose to run on windows 98. The game will display a error message saying 'no 3D graphics card available' so I went to the game folder and set the game.exe to run in compatibility mode for windows 2000. Some applications I know works well in Windows 2000 only. The problem is resolved and it took me less than 10mins. His mum was kind enough to allow me to join them for dinner. It's home-cooked but as a guest, I feel its ok and frankly, I prefer to eat home-cooked instead of cracking my head of what to eat if I went home should my aunt do not cook dinner.

As it is sunday and I am feeling tired after the game not to mention smelly, I opt to go home instead of going office to finish some work( Monday will start early for me loh). The bus I took is 65 and it pass by orchard road, little india before going to circuit road (where I am living). Once in Little India, I saw crowds of Indians... A lot of them. I took a picture while on the bus (explain the movements). I also saw security details around, Guess with so many people around, the government is not taking any chances with security.I do see other nationals around like ang moh and chinese nationals but they are few and in between.

Daily Life: The one thing bad of me....

2009-07-10T21:30:00.003+08:00

July is my company performance appraisal and as per year, we write down our objective for the new year and what we intend to achieve.

Though this two years has been recession years, I must admit the company has not been too bad, at least I have a job, a objective to fulfill each day so each day is a challenging day for me. Knowledge wise and working ethics, I do not have much problem. But as the days, months and years go by, there is one problem which i have yet to overcome, that is my anger. I actually wrote it down as one of my many objectives to fulfill this year round.

Everyone will have temper and a pressure point where we can take before exploding into anger. But I have a rather low pressure point or rather, when i get angry, I can get very fierce and this has become a sore point to some of my fellow colleagues, whom feel I am too fierce for comfort. As I am a very committed person, things can easily get out of hand when the pressure to perform and get things working can play tricks on people's minds.

But strangely, I realize as fast as I get angry, I also cool down fast. As senior, I have fellow team members to guide and seek guide from so sometimes I do behave objective but other times, I get high on emotion and creates problems for both myself and others.

Looks like I still have a long way to curb my inner demons before they consume me. i always think one of reasons I still is single could be due to my temper which at times may prove too much for some to stomach.......

IT: Review on Dell Latitude 2100

2009-06-17T22:22:00.004+08:00

Dell latitude 2100 Review
Intel Atom 1.6Ghz 512Kb cache
250GB Hard disk
2GB Ram
10.5" LCD with 1.3M webcam
96% keyboard
3 USB
1 VGA-out port
1 Gigabit Ethernet
3-in-1 Media player
XP Pro SP3
3 years warranty

With the popularity of netbook and the recession, most IT OEM has come up with their own version of netbook. But the lack of business class netbook is preventing the wider adaptation of netbook in enterprise where reading emails using outlook and word processing the the norm.

With that in mind, Dell create the Latitude 2100 which should address some questions that IT dept in enterprise are looking for in a enterprise notebook.

But the design is so brick like I doubt executive will take it around. Upcoming models like the HP 5101 and ASUS Eepc next generation are way thinner than the Dell model. Dell could take a leaf from its consumer market designs. Even their Inspiron 11v is thinner than 2100.

IT: Review on Dell 1310 Notebook

2009-06-16T13:34:00.004+08:00

Dell recently has recognized that the SME market is still a growing market and many vendors have yet provide good value for money machines to handle this market. There are many challenges facing SMEs, and the lack of large budget for purchase of laptops and desktop is one of the many.

With the introduction of 3G mobile broadband, the adoption rate of Laptops vs desktop is increasing and with laptops getting cheaper each day and the introduction of netbooks, it is little worth for users to purchase desktop except for specific reasons like gaming or workstation CAM/CAD design.

Dell SME range of laptop is the Vostro class and unlike its more costly cousin the latitude class, does not have 3 years warranty and magnesium alloy design. It does have the same Dell world class support and comes clean with no trialware. For this review, we will look at the Vostro 1310. Below are its specs

Intel Core2 Duo T5870 2.0Ghz
2GB Ram
250GB hard Disk
Slot-based DVD-RW
Bluetooth
Intel 3945ABG wireless adapter
Gigabit Ethernet adapter
4Cell battery with 65W adapter
1 Year standard limited warranty

The weight of the notebook is at 2 to 2.1kg, not too heavy for affordable daily usage. Its built-in graphics provide enough juice to run CAD drawings viewing with min effort. The keyboard felt fine for long term usage. The only bad i can think of its is thickness. It looks like a brick.

Daily Life: KL trip over the weekends

2009-06-08T21:27:00.003+08:00

My youngest brother and I went to KL over the weekend to see my second brother who is posted there as a technical finance consultant since Middle of May 2009. We arrived at KL around 4.30am Sat time. After a RM15 taxi ride, we arrive at the hotel tired and sleepy.

Later in the day, we went to change money. The rates is S$1: RM2.40. We then went for a shopping spree buying what is required and some. Dinner was A&W. Singapore's A&W close down as least 4 years ago and boy do we miss it, especially the root bear float... Pity those youngsters, I doubt they really understand how the taste be like.I was proposing a movie, which is Terminator 4: Salvation. for 3 person, I paid RM33, that is only about S$5 per ticket, paying weekday price for a weekend movie. Very worth. The movie was nice and I will give a blog review later on it.
After movie, we stayed around KLCC park to see the twin tower switch off its lights before going home. I was dead tired and went straight to bed after a hot shower.

Sunday, my second brother gave us a tour of the service apartment we are living at. There is gym, in-door swimming pool, squash court, tennis court, laundry service etc. This is the life of an expatiates in KL. Breakfast was at the high class cafe where we are eating better food than Sat morning. My younger brothers after breakfast went to KLCC park while I go to the gym for some fat burning exercise. Lunch was supposed to be at a Japanese restaurant but its close on sunday. Our coach back to Singapore was at 4pm so my youngest brother and I had lunch at chinatown. The place has not really change much except the crowd is smaller and things are getting more ex....

We arrive back in Singapore around 11.30pm using the second link. The coach is really cheap, only RM45 per person.

Daily Life: busy busy....

2009-05-25T21:36:00.003+08:00

Time really fly. Its been nearly a month since I last updated my blog!

What was i busy about? That is a good question. Actually I am busy doing the windows update for the conflicker virus and cleaning up those unfortunate machines that are infected. Lucky our patching are up-to-date for most machines so I do not need to spend too much time on all the 100 odd machines exclude servers

Then after the windows update came the customer project. For business sense, I will note disclose the customer publicly; But since I am in charge of network and infrastructure, I am entrusted to ensure the customer is able to go to the internet and is kind enough to give us two workstation. We need to go to their HQ to get their standards. So was busy getting quote and working out the details.

Then singtel decided to kill my weekends and brain cells. We change our plan from a 2MB/512KB line to a 3MB/768kb line. Right after the change our line went down every 5 hours. At first we thought it is our configuration or old equipment (our cisco 837 is in use since 2002) Then we tried all the methods include cleaning up the configuration but to no avail. Finally we got singtel since they are providing the infrastructure. The singtel contractor was kind enough to see that our line is giving us problem backend so we did a change in our circuit on May 19. Then all back to normal.

After the above, we thought everything back to normal. Then singtel for no reasons, moved my another 512kb/256kb line to a new circuit. Problem is the new circuit will only be activated on May 26. So I was unable to do site to site VPN with my parent company for a mission critical application. After I screamed at Qala which is caught between singtel and us since we got the line from them, agree to a Joint test on may 23 morning. We only get the line back up on May 23 2.45pm. Reason: They change the circuit and ask the contractor to do a test on the DP which is working fine all these while. So the contractor was 'screwed' by the singtel backend to do troubleshooting for a problem that belongs to the backend, back at the exchange. With the incident concluded, I shoot a mail to Qala demanding a incident report and prepared to take with my boss for legal advice to make Singtel pay for its reckless mistake.

Daily Life: Finally someone admit we are in Recession

2009-04-14T23:18:00.003+08:00

Today the S'pore Govt announced that this year Singapore Gross domostic product (GDP) is predicated to drop 6% to 9% instead of the earlier decline estimate of 2% to 2.5%. This reflect the continuing challenging environment business is operating and puts a lot of pressure on all to reduce cost or think out of the box to get revenue.

Manufacturing shrink 29% on year on year led by electronics, chemical and biomedical. Just earlier last year we are expected to go through 2009 with some hope. Looks like the hope is getting no-where as we enter the second quarter of 2009. And this is no longer a technical recession but a full recession (personal opinion)

Being the key purchaser/key decision influence of IT items be it equipment or maintenance of licenses to new IT projects, I will have to negotiate harder and smarter to ensure the budget if any, will be well spend on projects that will make the company stronger and in a better position to move ahead of its peers when the good times are here. Thankfully this cost reduction exercise has been ongoing since 2002 so there is nothing out of the ordinary. Just the intensity displayed.

Daily Life: Ground Zero for malware

2009-04-01T23:24:00.002+08:00

Today is april fools day... and no jokes are moving around in each companies IT dept. All of us are hard pressed to prepare for the conficker malware virus which is stated to attack all unpatched system on April 1 2009.

Granted that we have step up efforts to get all machines patched but it is next to impossible. The lucky thing is all these while we have have patching our system especially those that are new. Our current process required us to patched all new machines to the latest patches of that day. plus we also locked down machines to Univac standards.

But on the whole, users need to 1) have a updated anti-virus system, 2)a updated anti-spyware software like spybot or windows defender, 3) a updated fully patched windows system (since windows is used by most homes and companies) and lastly if the user is tech savvy enough, a firewall like comodo firewall which provides some additional level of security. That handles the technology items. While we can have the latest systems, all is useless if users ourselves do not practice safe computing habits, like opening of all email attachments even those whom we do not know, downloading unknown software with the false promise of speeding up our machines etc.