3 Bats 1 Dot

Almost a year without a post

2007-04-10T00:37:00.000+08:00

This is not good at all.. but I'd try to improve...

It's almost a year since my last post and there's a new addition to the family :)

I'm currently working my butts off on things that I love.. which makes working hard much easier :)

Hope to be able to make it to Australia later this year to meet a couple of guys to "pimp" their ride :)

Cheers for now.

5 days without a post.. getting better

2006-06-26T11:59:00.000+08:00

ok... first it was 5 months.. and now.. 5 days without a post :)

we've gotten the sole distributorship.. and now it's all cylinders firing! we'd need to get the goods in and just start selling!

hope to make our first million soon!

5 months without a post!??!

2006-06-21T11:32:00.000+08:00

I can't believe it.. the last 5 months went by in a blur... well, i do hope to post more regularly again...

currently working on a business plan with a couple of people.. if this takes off.. it'd be "bee-tarng"! :)

in the meantime, i slogging away.. in a global MNC, global conference calls often means a 18 hour work day.. sianz...

well.. there's also family and friends which helps to keep my sanity in check..

i think josh kicks the buy really really well now!

i'd try to upload some clips soon.

Crazy year so far..

2006-01-24T14:44:00.000+08:00

man.. it's been more than 3 weeks since my last post... really crazy since the year started... i'd be travelling to UK and India next month.. hope to post more pics and blogs whilst i'm there.

last week, i presented at one of the NUS ISS technology seminars on the future of the Security Community in Singapore and how it'd affect the security profession.

I thought that went pretty well and spoke to a couple of the attendees after that. Seems that everyone would like to see the profession elevated to the status of a professional. One of them compared it to one of the world's oldest profession... medical.

well.. it'd be a hectic couple of days before the Chinese New Year.

i really want to go to Chinatown this year.. see how that plays out later in the week. maybe i should take some vacation :)

meanwhile, I gotta find a way/time to SPRING CLEAN!

Lunch with Colleagues

2005-12-30T14:26:00.000+08:00

Had lunch with a couple of colleagues today.

1 of them is like Mag, almost as fun.. but I think Mag more fun :) Another seems to be a thinker.. thinks carefully before speaking etc... and another also seems a little "prepared"...

i may be wrong.. but i feel that sometimes they seem guarded... guess it's always difficult when you're thrust into a new job/cliche. as for myself, admitedly, i'm also pretty guarded...

only recently did they know about me partying @ MOS / East Side etc... to them, it came as a shock as I appear (to them) as someone who doesn't party etc.. am i trying to "hide" my past? i don't think so.. but i think i no longer feel the need to "fit in" or "blend in".. it does feel group to be part of the group.... but not necessary IMHO.

well, 2 more days to the New Year.

My resolution for the New Year would be to EXCEED EXPECTATIONS on the job!

Social Animals

2005-12-28T15:35:00.000+08:00

Man are creatures of habit... and also basically social animals. That's the reason why people like to hang out @ coffee places/shops, pubs, discos etc.

However, I have a feeling that the need to socialise rise and dip depending on different phases in one's life. e.g. as a baby/toddler, there is very little motivation to socialise. as one goes to school etc, the need increases. this phase continues all the way to the time one joins the work force and looks for a mate.

Once, settled down, the need to socialise with the objective to find a mate diminishes. This may also affect one's socialising behaviour at work.

Well, as for me... someone once described me as a "social butterfly" and marvelled at my "perceived" ability to fit into almost any group. Well, those days are almost numbered. I no longer feel the urge to "fit in". Although, I must say "not fitting in" feels kinda weird. But I won't bow down to any sort of peer pressure. It's either my way or the highway :)

I'm sure as I grow older, the need to socialise will once again increase... or when I need to socialise to get my next career move... hmm...

平安夜 Eve / Eve of X'mas Eve

2005-12-27T11:10:00.000+08:00

Part 1
Sent a last minute invite to the oldies and posted on the alumni forum as well to meet on 平安夜 Eve / Eve of X'mas Eve. Target was 6.30pm. By the time we met for dinner, it was about 7.30 pm.

GrimReaper hopped into the 煮炒 zhi-char place with his huge Crumpler. Apparently, GR bought it because Crumpler bags have airline strength straps and buckles. I tried carrying it.. and boy was it heavy! Wonder how many laptops he actually had in it.

MenNoch looked pretty happy throughout the night. Must be marriage bliss :) Blitz looked pretty tired though... and told us his recent trip to the Alps was all work and no play... aw man... crap! Sorry to hear that, dude.

Part 2
Anyway, after a quick dinner, we decided to walk to the MRT and head towards Hideout since MichLay told me it was pretty good. En route there, it started to rain.. and as usual GR led us to dead ends before we made it safely to Bugis Junction MRT. Hhahahaha some things stay the same :)

When we got to Hideout, it was pretty empty. And the place was pretty small. And after we ordered the drinks, they just left the beer and empty glasses on our table. Definitely... no service here. Comn3d and Hellcat joined us after a while.

Soon.. a bunch of kids came in.. and I guess they were the DJs for the night. I applaud the management's support for youngster.. but the music they were playing.. man.. really hip hop stuff.. I mean.. no variations at all! Also, some of the DJs got so carried away, they started blasting the music... ouch! We all agreed that once YeePong came, we'd leave. Oh.. btw, the toilet leaks too.. Wa chan... Don't think we'd go back there again.

Anyway, as the evening wore on, we understood why MichLay would have liked the place.. it's full of young boys who'd bestow her with attention.. not that she wouldn't be able to attract attention anywhere else at all.

So after contacting Hz who was at jam-packed-full-of-people Bala, we decided to head to East Side (again) *sic*

Part 3
After emptying our bladder and beer, we all walked to East Side. As we were heading there, someone did comment how we knew which direction to walk... Interestingly enough, I think it was all instinct. hahhahaah...

When we finally got to East Side, as usual we saw Jeremy and friends. There was this guy at the Pool table (Ken, I think) who's been there for like as long as I can remember.. and he's Good! so don't mess around with him. Then I saw Chris at the bar. hmmm.. somehow she looked a little different.. Blitz says it's the hair... well.. i don't know. I was more interested in finding out where our next drink will come from :) ahaahah

Later Kelvin (Microsoft) and a lady friend (I'm guessing it's May or Rae) came and joined us. Sine Kelvin was interested in stocks, I intro him to GR. Hellcat seemed to hit off with May/Rae pretty well :)

Had 2 bottles of Chivas to share with the guys. Drank a couple with everyone else and became wonder "twins" with Jeremy. Better get on his good side before he makes you drink like no tomorrow. hahahaha.... Talked to Hz about his corporate future (watch his space for more info). Heard that Phu was doing well. Well, that's good news! Then Hz told me Adrian was back in town and that he was @ MOS. Jeremy then a made a couple of calls and viola! We're heading to MOS!!!

Part 4
As we made our way there, we stumbled onto MichLay.. literally. She was sitting on the floor (streetside) with 2 friends. 1 with her head on MichLay's lap. hahahah... victim of 平安夜 Eve / Eve of X'mas Eve Celebration. After exchanging pleasantries, we made our way into MOS. Man.. what a place! 1st time there.. so swar-ku.

I think we had quite a number of drinks there.. coz I forgotten how much I was drinking by that time. Comn3d was pretty hungry and we left the place after a couple of hours. En route there, I decided I was more tired than hungry, so after Blitz dropped off (btw, Blitz, good biz idea.. we should explore), I headed home.

Part 5
Reached home. Took a shower. Put clothes into washing machine (must have been very stinko). And hit the sack. I think it was like 5 or 6 am oredi. Let's see how I survived the rest of the X'mas.

After Thoughts
For some info on MOS, click here.
Did anyone keep tab on the number of drinks we had?

お任せ Omakase

2005-12-22T13:37:00.000+08:00

"Omakase" is a Japanese word that literally means "entrusting." When you go to a Japanese restaurant and tells the chef "Omakase" it means you'd entrust your meal to him. It's like ordering dinner with no menu. Very liberating, quite expensive but worth it if you're in the right hands.

The first time I ordered "Omakase" was in Brisbane. I was on a 6 month assignment and had visited the Japanese restaurant before with a colleague of mine. That night he did the ordering, the usual stuff.. salmon, squid, fake crab meat etc. Well, this time I was back on my own and the chef recognised me from my previous dinner (good sign) and we engaged in some small talk.

While I was deciding between the usual sushi combination, the chef (incidentally he was the owner too) suggested that I leave the orders in his good hands. Well, good thing was the company was taking care of all my expenses. So I said "omakase onegai shimasu!"

And was that a fabulous meal! It wasn't all that costly and he provided me with a variety which I wouldn't have a clue how to order. Ordering "Omakase" actually requires a lot of courage as you're placing your tummy at the mercy of the chef. The knife cuts both ways, so to speak. But if you and the chef has a good rapport, and you make known to him any allergies you have etc, you'd likely to have a wonderful night! I went back on a regular basis thereafter and was always satisfied. Sometimes, he'd create something new for me to try while other times he'd get the kitchen to prepare soup not found on the menu etc

The other ocassion I went "Omakase" at a Sushi restaurant was when I visited a friend working in Melbourne. My friend was familiar with the chef and we went "Omakase" again. Boy was that a great meal! woohoo!!!! And the wagyu beef was SUPERB!

Now that I'm back in Singapore, I need to find another Sushi Restaurant where I can go "Omakase" again :) I heard there's one at Raffles Hotel which will set you back about S$70 for 2 people, which I thought was pretty reasonable.

Anyway, if you're in Brishane go to Oyama and if you're in Melbourne go to Shoya.

Til the next time...

Hot dogs...

2005-12-20T13:54:00.000+08:00

No ... not those you eat. I'm referring to those "husky" dogs.. no no.. not the voice.. i mean those with lotsa fur. Don't understand how people would want to subject the equator heat to their pets. This subject came up a couple nights ago @ a watering hole.

Someone was commenting about the cats he's keeping and another was talking about dogs... the topic drifted to "BIG" dogs with lotsa fur... Well, they may look really nice, but they must be crying their eyes out about the equator heat. As they are panting, you can imagine them saying "*pant* *pant* ... what a hot day..." everyday.

I remember my grandma had an alsatian before... he grew from a small puppy to a huge dog really quickly. As he was growing up, he was very playful and didn't understand the power (jaws) he has. To date, I have a scar to show for his bite. When a huge dog like dog closes his mouth on your hand, there can only be pain...

Tea with the Band!

2005-12-19T11:46:00.000+08:00

Finally contacted the bassist, singer and the drummer. Had coffee with them @ Holland V. Haven't been in touch for 5-9 years! Really really intersting catching up with everyone. The singer is now based in China and have recently married a Chinese national! The bassist is expecting his first-born in Jan, and the bassist has a 2 month-old son! woohoO!!!

Well, the sad part is when we had to leave the place.. coz the singer will be back in China again.. maybe for the next couple of years... not sure what this means to the band... i really like to get back together again.. maybe look for new singer? :(

Found my band!!!! well, almost.

2005-12-16T16:39:00.000+08:00

woohooo.. i found them!! found bassist via google.. and got the singer's mobile number from an old phone book.. and it worked!

well, almost. singer is in singapore, but have been away the past 3 years and will still be away for another year. coincidentally, he's back this week for a home visit! talk about luck! well, almost.

there goes my dream again... oh well, it's nice to hear from them again!

x'mas lunch & super tired

2005-12-16T09:21:00.000+08:00

went for lunch at Straits Kitchen.. super crowded.. overhead the manager telling the front desk lady: "Don't tell the guests that it is fully booked...". hmm... guess they want to have as many customers as possible...

overall, it was a good experience, but pretty expensive... need to fast for a day or two before coming here to binge on their buffet. i also need to commend them for their service. e.g. if you're a vegetarian, they'd even serve you vegetarian dishes on your table! interesting... and a very nice gesture. the service staff were all very smiley too.. well, most of them. at least none was unpleasant.

but, it was also a really tiring day.. maybe because of the early morning conf call... by the end of the day (again about 1 am), once again, i fell asleep sitting down while watching the TV.

actually, i really think i should get back into the band again. i'd try contacting the lead singer. it'd be really cool performing again :) write our own compositions etc

Presentation...

2005-12-14T16:21:00.000+08:00

I like presentations.. giving them that is... it's almost like a performance.. and I've always like performing. I was in a symphonic band... was a conductor... was in a Jam Band... wrote music for dramas and musical.. I've always like these sort of things.. which is why I'm trying to get in touch with my old band members again. If I can reach out to the singer and bassist, I betcha we can start performing again. Most likely in pubs etc..

Although it was a multi-party conference call, including local participation in a conference room, I thought it went pretty well. The secret, I believe, lies in providing presentations as if it was a story. Presentations used to be really boring affairs for me... but when I went to SAGA/IOU several years ago, I saw the ART of PRESENTATION when one of the speakers just BLEW everyone away with his presentation. It was really lively, funny, grabbed your attention and got his points across really well! That's what I strived to be.

Anyway, I missed another opportunity to present in KL next Feb. I'd be travelling in Feb and didn't like the idea of being away another couple of days, so I gave up my spot. Well, til the next time.

2005-12-13T01:09:00.000+08:00

Suddenly, I remembered our bassist name. I did a search on Google and found his qala email addres.. that was really old... tried to send him and email.. and of course it bounced.. then.. I found his cyberway account... and it bounced too... finally tracked him to a pacfic.net.sg account... and it... didn't really bounce.. but I got a message saying his account is over quota.. and then another message that provided his contact number!! woohoOO!!.. after 10 years of leaving Jalan Bahar, I've finally found him for the 2nd time... now .. all I need is to find the singer.. and the trio can reign havoc on the music world again!!!! This is an encrypted message: basket ball players playing basket ball in the basket ball court.

Old skool virus fighting

2005-12-12T14:39:00.000+08:00

Check out this posting.

Good old days of Virus Fighting :)

There's just so much virus/worms/spyware these days. Things are just getting too tough. What do we really need out of our computers?

For me, it's mostly to surf the net and download music/video. Upload my pics from my digital cam and share photos via the web. For these purpose alone, actually, there are other ways to achieve it. E.g. using Linux via a popular distribution such as Knoppix. It is actually possible to avoid all worms/virus! Serious! These are called "hardened systems" as opposed to "hardened criminals". Such systems are very safe/secure. All you need is to create a bootup disk, and voila! It's virtually impossible to be infected, because you're running off a read-only CDROM.

2005-12-11T23:21:00.000+08:00

Went to SBG today. Nice weather, rather cooling.. actually drizzled slightly when I was there. Saw a squirrel too! hehehe.. remembered when in Toronto, Canada.. the parks there had loads of black squirrels. The locals there regards them as pest. Anyway, the one I saw today is brown climbing up and down the tree. They're always so agile! Rainforest are always so cool.. nice.. saw a couple of cyclists and people jogging there too.. hmm.. wonder if we can inline skate in SBG. Well, I should want to come back again. Maybe make it a fortnightly routine to walk here. Nice feeling, walking in a rainforest.

Thunderstorm

2005-12-10T16:19:00.000+08:00

It's been quite a long while since there's such a thunderstorm in Singapore. Raining cats and dogs and super huge lightnings. One was so bright, I instinctively cup my ears.

Did you know that birds will fly really low when a storm is on its way? I used to be able to "smell" rain. Maybe it's because the air actually gets "dam" before a rain. Also, did you notice that if the sky is bright red at night, it usually mean it'd rain soon?

I remember when I was young... whenever it rained, we either hide under our blanket and have a nice cool nap... or someone will make a hot drink like Milo, to eat with biscuits.

If I were with my cousins, we'd play Risk on the huge carpet in the living room. Lots of bonding occurs when you want to "gang up" on the winning cousin. Of course, there were "traitors" as well as "fierce loyalty" :)

I guess children these days will huddle 'round their PCs and wack each other online.

Running a pub

2005-12-08T18:08:00.000+08:00

i've no idea how to run a pub... but recently came to find out that there was a hiding place some friends created ... essentially a pub... but sounds like a real friendly pub...

only thing is .. i haven't visited them.. and it seems that the management will be changing.. i do hope that they'd continue since i've not visited them yet :(

was reading their blog and also found out that Patrick (Oddfellows) performed there too... also dsng and other djs spin there...

if i can help run the place, it'd be a place i can pick up my guitar again :)... back to the good 'ol days of jammin' in the halls... arrghhh... i shd've found this place sooner.. anyway.. i don't even know whether I can go for a drink before they change management.. hopefully "change management" isn't a euphesism for "closing down".

like what i said in my earlier post... time only moves in one direction...

Insufficient sleep, heightened alertness & losing strength...

2005-12-08T08:54:00.000+08:00

when i get insufficient sleepy, my level of alertness actually rises! not sure if this is a result of those party days... you know some people's level of alertness increases alcohol consumption increases, others may become sleepy, some grow emotional, some become really chatty etc... well, for me... with more alcohol or sleep deprivation, i seem to become more alert... it's like "last burst of energy" before my body shuts down. and when that happens, i'd sleep almost anywhere... on the couch, slouching over my computer etc... not a pretty sight..

anyway, today is another such day... had 3 hours of sleep last night... but maybe the body has been tortured for too many years.. i don't feel as alert as i thought i should be.. what am i thinking?!??! i should really get more sleep.

everyday.. after work.. i just feel so tired.. i just "stone" on the couch at the end of everything... sometimes surfing the net with the tv turned on whilst everyone else is sleeping... time is precious.. i try to maximise it... at the same time, sleep is also so very important. arrghhh!!

life is finite. that's the bottom line. it moves only in one direction.. and that's to the end.

when the eventuality comes, i wonder what i'd do differently.. stay awake more often... or get more rest... hmmm... maybe i should sleep on it...

Devil in the Details

2005-12-08T00:34:00.000+08:00

Remember when someone told you something really important.. but left out "critical" details?... well that's called "Devil in the Details".

It's like saying Atkin's Diet is great.... but forgetting to mention that eating fried bacon & eggs everyday for the rest of your life may keep you slim.. but would also clog up your arteries etc...

Well check out this out.. apparently, the "state of the art" Mercedes S Class radar-based system failed during a test, resulting in a 3-car pile up.

Guess how Mercedes responded? ... "oh.. the test was held in a hall made of steel.. which confused the radar... " yeah right... "devil in the details, eh"... so no one noticed that BEFORE the test? Crap.

http://www.askaprice.com/torque-article.asp?article=Mercedes_makes_mess_of_safety_demonstration&item=669

Posting from PocketPC

2005-12-07T17:19:00.000+08:00

i'm posting this from my PocketPC with a channel just downloaded avantgo ... essentially, it allows you to blog on ppc & upload when synching.

cool!

if there's a way to upload pics @ the same time, this will be a killer app!

http://www.dentedreality.com.au/avantblog/

Back to blogging...

2005-12-07T16:04:00.000+08:00

Haven't been updating my previous blog for more than 2 years.. interestingly, that happened when I decided to be hosted here on blogspot... anwyay, I've decided to start all over again...

So here I am... in Sunny Singapore and it's great to know that the blogging scene in Singapore has taken off! There was even a conference held in Jul 05. When I started my blog about 5 years ago, there were very few people I know of in the blog scene, let alone those in Singapore.. But, it doesn't really matter where you are.. blogs, like everything else on the Internet, is based on connectionless (TCP) connections...

Connecting the Dots: "Relation and connection are not somewhere and sometimes,but everywhere and always." -Ralph Waldo Emerson