Risen Against Gravity

GenSephyr

I've moved my blog and portfolio to http://fusedthought.com/en/blog. However, this site will still be kept as an archive...

Individual entires can still be accessed using their trackback links.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

IE8 Standards Compliant?

It seems too good to be true… On a recent entry into the IEBlog, Dean Hachamovitch announced that Internet Explorer 8 has successfully rendered the Acid2 test.

This news is expected to be more significant to web developers than to the average web user. For the uninitiated, Acid2 is a test page for web browsers published by The Web Standards Project (WaSP). It aims to help browser vendors ensure proper support for web standards in their products. When correctly rendered, it would show a smiley face.
However, up to this point, none of the major browsers in use today (the non-beta versions of Firefox and Internet Explorer) can render the picture correctly.

The final release of IE8 is still unknown though.. For their part, there are subtle hints in the post regarding the final support IE8 will have… In a paragraph, it was said that:

When we look at the long lists of standards (even from just one standards body, like the W3C), which standards are the most important for us to support? ………… Many advances in web technologies, like the img tag, start out as unilateral extensions by a vendor. The X in AJAX, for example, has only started the formal standardization process relatively recently. ……………….. Different individuals have different opinions about different standards. The important thing about the Acid2 test is that it reflects what one particular group of smart people “consider most important for the future of the web.”

So we just have to adopt a wait and see attitude..

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Interesting Finding

This is plain interesting.. Chance open a site talking about a Thumbdrive which was bought from China, which turned out to be fake. So beware...

Take a look:


Full article at: http://www.gadget9.com/2007/06/17/usb-thumdrive-from-china/. Picture originally from there too.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Asian Idol

Was watching Asian Idol yesterday. Well, Singapore's Hady Mirza won. Its quite a great accolades..

However, watching the show, it wasn't the singing by all the idols that I took notice of. Rather, it was the some of the things that the MC said that got me laughing or bugged me.

Take for example, after the performance by Singapore's Idol Hady and Malaysian Idol Jaclyn, the MC commented (not quoted ad verbatim here): "Wow. Singapore and Malaysia in perfect harmony. Something you don't see very often.".
How true. The political situation between the two countries, are on a delicate balance which are not always in balance.

Then in another case, the performance by Australian Idol Guy Sebastian, stress was put on the fact that he was from Malaysia, not once, not twice but three times. Also another sentence by Guy, (correct me if I am wrong here) that its Australia needs Asia not the other way round.

Though simple sentences, the implications of these seems bigger than it actually is...

Sunday, December 09, 2007

Troubled

When you think the tunnel has ended, someone or some event seems to start extending that tunnel again. You start wondering when will this ever end.
I guess that answer becomes obvious after a while. "It never ends"...

Maybe I'm a bit "emo" this few days due to my dental surgery which render me unable to talk and eat. Its been mentally and emotionally draining this period and the surgery wasn't the sole cause. Told myself once that I wouldn't fall into that emotional trap again but it seems that I did. I seem to be stuck in a position where I can't let my feelings out.
There are times when I thought I would lose control and times when I almost did... But thankfully, there is always someone who knowingly or unknowingly pull me back from those states.

I really need to snap out of this cycle... Gambatte!

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Blogskin: FTStudio V2

Did a spot of shopping today for my grad night.. But since I got home slightly earlier than expected, I had time to do some programming. First thing I did (of course) was to change my blog skin.

So the usual info:
Skin Title: FTStudio V2 (FusedThought Official v2)
Number: 6th
ID: N6-29D11M2K7Y
Customization: None

Permanent skin application URL: http://gyeojz.blogspot.com/?css=6
Reset to default: http://gyeojz.blogspot.com/?css=0

Feel free to post any comments on this new blog design... =).

Brainstorming for the school project. But still drawing blanks =(

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

IN holidays

Well, A levels has long been over, but I still have not been blogging lately...

First, extremely busy trying to see things for my graduation night. No. I don't have to buy as much stuff as the girls but I still do have a problems getting shoes. The shoes I see seems to hit the 200 mark. Not to mention a pair of pants was 400 bucks. Thank goodness I already got mine and didn't have to look twice at that crazily priced piece of cloth.

Secondly, I am brainstorming for 2 websites.

Number 1 : a website project for my school. Yes, I've graduated, but this project was assigned to me in mid of this year and according to my initial timeline and plans, it should have been finished by now. However details are being delayed and not so forthcoming as I would have liked. As such, development hasn't started.

Number 2: I intend to move to a self hosted server BUT I'll still be keeping this blog. Especially so since I am applying for a free hosting account and my experience with free hosting account is that they can suddenly disappear. So, I'll still keep this blog.

On a sidenote, went to parkway parade newly opened borders today with some friends. I must say, the layout is so much better now... However, spent a longer time at parkway then expected as we were caught in by a thunderstorm...

As some may know, I recently obtained Windows Vista too. The experience is less than optimal. Almost all my current software can't be used. Things like Norton systemworks 2004 wouldn't be safe to run in Vista. Although I have shifted my focus on open source software, which was a good move as most of it are supporting Vista now, those old close-source software aren't doing so. This reminds me why I like Open-Source Software.

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Douse of a flame

A flame has gone out in the family....

"The central pillar has fallen.
It is now up to the rest to find a common supporting pillar for the future, be it virtually or spiritually"

I can't say how much that sentence resonates in my mind.

Saturday, October 13, 2007

End of school and D-Day

School ends. D-day in the form of the A levels in 2 weeks. Can't be more stressed than now.

Anyway, yesterday celebrated belated (1 day) as well as advance birthday for lin' and jess respectively. Forgot all about the way Fish and Co celebrates. So naturally, we all got "clowned". Haha.

On a side note, I guess I'll be able to attend the Prom aka. Graduation Night..Yeah!!! "Muchas Gracias!"

Next Tuesday is the farewell concert as well as the Sportsmen appreciation ceremony. Guess we'll finally know who took over as the 2 Captains of the bowling team.

Don't really have much mood to update actually. This post is so fragmented and without a theme. Oh never mind!!

Ciao.

Thursday, October 04, 2007

Wisdom of Pain

You gain wisdom when you have wisdom teeth?
I guess not. Rather, I find that its a royal pain i.t.a.

Going to the doctor proved to be more bad news than ever. I shan't say what happened, but a few of my friends should know by now. haha. Can't help but rant. Really pardon me for that. However, its still darn infuriating.

How come everything regarding medical always come up to such a huge sum? Am I a money tree or something?? Arrrgh!!!

Blogskins: FTStudio V1

So frustrated. 2 wasted days. Didn't have the heart to do anything.
Turned to changing this site skin to cool down. It may be weird for some, but quite effective for myself.

Anyway, here are the official information about the skin:

Skin Title: FTStudio V1 (FusedThought Official v1)
Number: 5th
ID: N5-03D10M2K7Y
Customization: None

Permanent skin application URL: http://gyeojz.blogspot.com/?css=5
Reset to default: http://gyeojz.blogspot.com/?css=0

Monday, September 24, 2007

Sen No Yoru wo Koete

(song by Aqua Timez)
(English translation)

I want to be loved, but you don’t seem to love me
I wander within that repetition
I found one answer; that even if I’m scared, even if I’m hurt
I can say “I love you” to the person who I love

Do you love me? Or not love me?
As for things like that, it’s already fine either way
No matter how I wish
There are many unchangeable things in this world, right?
That’s right, and because only the fact of my loving you
Is the truth unchangeable by anyone

I want to overcome the thousands of nights and tell it to you
There’s something that I must tell you
I want to be loved, but you don’t seem to love me
I wander within that repetition
I found one answer; that even if I’m scared
Even if I’m hurt, I can say “I love you” to the person who I love
It’s scary to turn my feelings into words
But I can say “I love you” to the person who I love

In this broad world, I can’t express the joy of encountering you with words
So we smile, sing about the vividly passing autumn in do-re-mi
Turn our backs on winter, wait for the sunlight streaming through trees in spring
And become reborn anew, so that we can protect someone

On the path we came from and our destination, when we looked back, I’d always have timid eyes
I want to face you, but I can’t be honest
I, who repeated days of not being able to straightforwardly love my partner
And hated being alone on that day
Seemed to love people while unwounded

I’ll overcome the thousands of nights and go meet you now
There is something that I must tell you
I want to be loved, but you don’t seem to love me
I wander within that repetition
I found one answer; that even if I’m scared
Even if I’m hurt, I can say “I love you” to the person who I love
Even if those thoughts aren’t fulfilled, I can say “I love you” to the person who I love
It’s the most wonderful thing in this world

Friday, September 21, 2007

Its Over

Its over.
And it means two things: Exams are over.
However, mugging is going to start soon.
And also.... one word for the current exams: Massacre

Monday, September 10, 2007

Exams Week

Exam week. Will resume posting again after my exams in about a week and a half from now.




.

Saturday, September 01, 2007

Economical Savings?

Is this recent economic boom really for everyone? As it goes on amid claims from various sectors that everyone is benefiting, it really doesn't seem to be the case at the ground level.

Investments soaring, property prices rising to all time high, this wonderful figures are only for a wonderful front to a worrying backdrop. When these prices are split up into various components, we will then realize that its really not a normal curve. Rather, its leaning towards one side. In property market, that curve falls towards the high end markets like the districts 9, 10 and 11.

With majority of homeowners here being HDB home owners, the property boom here is hardly affecting them. The nature of HDB flats is that they are a linked closely towards a government linked board. Thus, prices are relatively stable in accordance to the aim of the board and the governments in making prices affordable for the masses. Thus, those that are really benefiting from here are the ones already rich and thus have property in these areas or condominium owners who are gong en bloc. However, the en bloc heat is forecast to cool down due to recent ruling.

While we aren't hit that hard by the effects of the sub-prime mortgage problem in the United States, we have problems of our own. With the rising inflation rate and low interest rates for savings, the economy is look set to have a widening wage gap. It is really creating a climate where it doesn't pay for Singaporeans to save.

Interests earned in the savings accounts held in banks will soon be outstripped by the climbing CPI (Consumer Price Index), a statistical estimate of the level of prices of goods and services bought for consumption purposes by households. Thus, in real terms, the value of our money in these savings will drop. In effect, this gives rise to a situation of negative real interest rates.

According to a newspaper article, negative real interest rates favors borrowers and with projection of at least one to two years of negative real interest rates, the risk of fueling asset inflation is very high. With such disproportional rates, people would be expected to want to invest in the property market where returns are deemed to be higher, this driving up the property market and thus inflation of assets.

There is hope however that if many choose to invest, then there is a chance for interest rates to go up. However, with the vast amount of cash in the banking system, which is causing an oversupply even though demand of borrowing is going up, deposit rates are set to remain low for some time.

It is thus timely for us to take a hike and think about whether we should park our savings elsewhere. With these savings paying close to nothing, its not a very bad thing to consider investing in other financial instruments which will maintain our purchasing power in this "pricer" world.

However, with such a decision, the question of whether we dare do so is quite pertinent.. This question is especially "real" for lower/middle income families and the so-called sandwich class of the society, where the money available in their bank accounts are their lifeline to the future. Risk is not a very viable option.

Going Green

I'm going green recently.
Hopefully with all the green, my eyes won't get so tired after using the computer. Probably is just my wishful thinking...



And if you're interested in the vista start menu which I used here in Windows XP, read more about it at my tech blog. Its a program called ViStart.

Sunday, August 26, 2007

A negative programming

It seems like I've been involved in quite a few school related web stuff this past months. From the bowling blog to the school's anniversary website to the current alumni website which I have no time to complete till the end of my A level.

Talk about work.... The bowling site aren't that much a problem as its blogger based. However the other sites are quite an insomnia causing.
I can't believe I am going to say this, but I am starting to feel tired and nauseated from seeing codes.

Probably have to take a break from programming. coding a fully-fletched content management system, databases, maintenance tools as well as doing the graphics aren't a small feat. Especially when I have to do all those single-handedly with no one to turn to for help.

Stepping down doesn't mean totally abandon one's responsibility. I've wanted to relinquish all thoughts of intervening, but looks like I succumbed to temptation and stepped in.

Though I was asked to recover the pictures after the bowling team site mishap earlier this month, I've decided to contribute a final gift to the team, in the form of a brand new look for the site. I've given the site a "web 2.0" make-over, bringing that site up to be in line with the current trends in the web-design committee.

The theme, titled "bowl-a-lution" would add on to my list of XML templates to my collection, that would be my fifth, including all my works done on this blog (Risen Against Gravity).

Anyway, here is a screenshot of the site:


Or you to see the real thing, you can visit it at http://tjcstrikeforce.blogspot.com

Sigh.

On a sidenote, I've also decided to add a tagboard on this blog also.

Cherios.

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Blogskins: Anime.Otaku

New Skin again.

I didn't schedule to make a new skin this time round. It was because I was feeling abit frustrated that I decided to code one to relief stress.
Guess it was my record time in creating a new skin also. 45 minutes including the graphics.
In fact the graphics took me almost 30 minutes (I aren't that good at graphic manipulation. The css coding only took 15 minutes.

The rationale behind this skin name was because, Anime Otaku is taken to mean anime fan.
Although Otaku is a fairly derogatory term in Japan. Its most commonly used to refer to excessive obsession with Anime. However, in America, the term is often a badge of honor for hard-core anime fans.

This skin include a few firsts.
These are: Opacity effects, being Anime themed, a gradual (gradient) background as well as a new skin cataloging system.
Moreover, its the first skin to use CSS3's opacity property. However, this means that opacity effects will not be shown on certain browsers. Its minimal though. In fact, almost unnoticeable.

Since I constantly add new skins, I guess I should have some detailed skin launch format from now on.
So here it goes:

Skin Title: Anime.Otaku
Number: Quarto (4th)
ID: N4-19D08M2K7Y
Customization: None

As usual, this skin can be applied to the page permanently regardless of my future layout changes using this URL: http://gyeojz.blogspot.com/?css=4

To reset, use http://gyeojz.blogspot.com/?css=0

Credits to the respective creators of the individual pictures used to make the masthead.

Friday, August 10, 2007

Site Headaches

Many websites multiple headaches.
I can't list it here due to nature of these projects which are commissioned by certain parties....

My design juice just ran out. No inspiration for any design at all....

On top of that, the bowling website just got all the graphics, JavaScript removed. I don't know how will the current committee settle that. Don't say I didn't warn them on the impending deletion the other time. Too bad it wasn't heeded.

However, since my websites are designed for the LCF (Lowest Common Factor), the bowling website will continue working. Just that at a very basic level.

I really need a design inspiration. And also something to jump start my studying engine...
sheesh.

Saturday, August 04, 2007

sick

Sick for 3 days already... vomited, ached.

Not the first time.

Can say its the second time in a span of a few months....

At least...
Finally can eat...

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Stress-sify in Poems

Talk about stress... I can't believe I actually acceded the request. I don't even know if I'll gain something about of it. A recognition perhaps? but is it even worth it? Was I out of my mind to accept even though I aren't even sure that the prize dangled in front of me is going to materialize.

I just aren't sure about anything anymore.

What used to be my good subjects seem to be going in the opposite direction. I just aren't good quality of a sponge anymore. It seemed to have reached maximum capacity... The days when whatever I put in there usually stays in there. But that reality seems eons ago. It has become a new reality that things just flows out. Facts become hazy, and this is even before the haze season comes.

"The battle cry sounded. Cries for help ensues.
The future seems lost, deep within the forbidden forest.
Prayers are made. It looks as if in vain.

The light of dawn breaks, casting light in the shadowy realm,
Hopes must be rekindled amidst the coming battle.
The clangs of helmet, the sound of swords...
Onward we shall go. Into the battle for hope."
(GenSephyr)

Sunday, July 22, 2007

A deprivation

Not the usual deprivation, but with the release of Book 7 of Harry Potter, I had to steer clear of forums and similar channels due to the spoliers that are posted all over the place.

Sighz. Still have to wait. People like me without pre-orders have to wait. Some stores didn't even display the book on the shelves.

That aside, this is really one bad weekend. Was incapacitated by PE lessons the other day. My left arm, which was fractured before, was rendered unable to bend fully or straighten fully. That came after after holding in "push-up" position for 2 over minutes, 60+ push-ups and 20 chin-ups/pull-ups....

One more day of rest before needing to return to school.

Anyway, to wrap up this post, here is a quote a found quite amusing and interesting...

"A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools" Douglas Adams, Mostly Harmless

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Electrifying Stats

"Don't stand under a tree when its raining, or when there's lightning!"...
We used to hear that when we are young. That still holds true now....

However, a year or even just months later, you may hear parent's telling their children: "Don't listen to your iPod when its raining!".

What's a phenomenon and deemed as a music revolution has lately become a target of nature. It has become an electrifying experience for a few users. And thats not about the tunes either. Rather, its related to rain and lightning.

Recently, according to the newspaper, a Canadian jogger suffered wishbone-shaped chest and neck burns, ruptured eardrums, and a broken jaw when lightning traveled through his music player's wires. And furthermore, it wasn't even raining, but only a storm in a distance.

"Yikes! more hazards" may be one pertinent thought now. A questionable thing is that, if electronics was to blame here, why is this happening only to iPods? Last summer, a Colorado teen also ended up being struck by lightning when he was listening to the iPod while mowing the lawn.

In fact, any of these could happen to anyone bearing an electronic device on them. And frankly, everyone would have at least one on them nowadays. Maybe they were the tallest in the area? I don't by that argument. What I can accept is that now, with the huge success of iPods, majority of the people own one, whether its an iPod, mini, nano and so on. (Sadly, I don't have any of them). Thus with such a large sample, the chances of lightning striking a person with an iPod is very high.

For all we know, its just an unfortunate accident and a case of bad publicity for it.
However, I guess its best to err on the safer side and keep that music player in your bag or pocket (if you feel safe enough) when its raining, lest it becomes too electrifying to handle.

Friday, July 13, 2007

A pain in the OS (operating system)

Put my thoughts into action. Finally ditched Windows XP. Ok.. I didn't really fully ditched it yet. However, I finally got my long awaited dual-boot system.

Installed Ubuntu. Actually was planning to use fedora. However, without an easy way to configure internet access, I turned to Ubuntu instead. However, Ubuntu is not without woes. Sadly, it doesn't support WPA well as I'm using a USB wireless adapter and the linux driver doesn't support it.

However, the results have been quite satisfying. Other than the occasional freezes, usually due to the keyboard malfunctioning as the driver support isn't that fantastic. However, I don't mind pressing the power button to reboot again as unlike booting into Windows, it doesn't take eons just to see the desktop. In fact, it takes me about 15 minutes to boot into Windows, waiting for all the services to fully load. Compared to that, Ubuntu loads in under a minute. This is probably due to the lower level of requirements to just run the base system.

Moreover, from my point of view, my Ubuntu installation seems to have more desktop effects, especially since I installed beryl, which emulates some of the Windows Vista features like ALT-TAB preview switching, thumbnail preview when you have minimized applications and also a 3D desktop with as many virtual desktops as you want.

Currently still learning how to use as most of the things, even some common things need to be done in the console/terminal (command prompt in Windows). However, security is and has always been higher as you don't get root access to system folders, a feature Windows recently adopted in Vista. I don't think I ever felt safe to enter the net without a firewall and anti-virus.

Anyway, here are some screenshots:

Main Desktop


Desktop 3D effects (desktop cube)

Sunday, July 01, 2007

Weeks

Exams are over and we get a 4 day break until Monday which is erm... youth day? Yeah.. Something like that...

Finally got my website up and running.. Manage to get two domains... my main one at: http://fusedthoughts.x10hosting.com and a secondary one at http://fusedthoughts.googlepages.com. Althought currently, the x10 one doesn't work. I assume that the uptime for the googlepages one would be better although, it lacks full server benefits.

I never thought my computer had so much files. My C:\ Drive, which has 40Gb now has only 15GB left.. And thats when most of my files are on another partition. I desperately uninstalled over 10 programs and my free space count didn't improve much. I concluded that its all due to the every increasing number of updates for Microsoft Windows and Office... Its really getting out of hand. A base install of XP can take up so much space....

I've been thinking of dual-booting my system. Windows XP and Ubuntu or Kbuntu. I've haven't decided what I like better. The GNOME desktop environment. or K desktop environment (KDE).... Moreover, I'm a bit hesitant as one wrong installation move would require a re-installation of not only the Linux OS but Windows OS as well....

On a sidenote, yesterday was the last day of June and also the last day when Goods and Service Tax (G.S.T.) was at 5%. Starting today, G.S.T. is increased to 7%.

I went Vivocity yesterday. Got a programming book. My only programming book in like 5 years... Been always borrowing from the library. Its on Adobe Flex 2. Wanted to know it as it is integrated tightly with the upcoming Adobe Integrated Runtime (AIR) and I thought it would be interesting to get to know more about it. Got a 24% discount on the book. So I don't think its such a bad buy...

Oh wells. 2 more days of bliss before going back to school....

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Time and GTD

Time is really a luxury which sadly I fail to have.... the day inches nearer but I aren't moving that much nearer. GTD (Getting things done) is something that I must do but to do that I need that luxury to do so.

Why why why.

Limited by the hours of day, the rising and setting of sun.
Limited by a saddled brain.
Limited by the very things I am suppose to do.

Yes, I know that:

The limits of the possible can only be defined by going beyond them into the impossible(Arthur C. Clarke)
However, is it possible? Rules are set. You can't change time. You can't do the impossible of extending time. The sun cannot be stopped from rising neither can it be stopped from setting. Freezing it is out of the question.

Looks like thou has to find another way.

Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of. (Benjamin Franklin)

Squander not time, as the significant event is near.

Cherish the present, and look forward to what is inevitable.
(GenSephyr)

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Windows Vista vs Ubuntu with Beryl

This should be in my tech blog, but I thought it would be nicer here... seems interesting what the opensource community can do nowadays.

The question on whether there is a need to upgrade to a new OS is really quite pertinent...



The two OS here in question is Windows Vista using Aero interface and Ubuntu Linux running Beryl. I believe the same effects can also be achieved using Compiz which Beryl is based on.

Cheers

Monday, June 11, 2007

Some quotes...

Some quotes which I saw on television and stuff

It doesn't matter how people say how you should be.
The important thing is how you want to be.


Below are a few by Oscar Wilde. I heard one of it from Oprah Primetime.
Ambition is the last refuge of failure

A little sincerity is a dangerous thing, and a great deal of it is absolutely fatal

Cheers...

(I'm going Mad over Studies and going Moo over Mootools.. Ok.. this is far too random... )

Sunday, June 10, 2007

ODEX anime case

You must have read the papers about Anime downloading. Well, for better or for worse, its already happened. Someone has been warned. Letters are sent out.

In the recent case, ODEX has sent out a letter to an anime fan. Judging from his letter, he was a Bleach fan.

Those who take an interest in that letter, it can be found on Riuva (http://www.riuva.com/?p=628).

These news are already circulating the internet for a while now. A fellow STOMPer has even posted it on STOMP's Media Club "Hot Stuff" Section. That article can be found at http://www.stomp.com.sg/mediaclub/hotstuff/hotstuff_12.html.

Many commentaries can already be found on the net. There isn't a need for me to add another one. Anyway, the backlash to this recent action has yet to be seen. I wonder what will happen to the anime community in Singapore.

Furthermore, an appendice with a list of the titles downloaded was also attached (pictured below)..


After a look at the letter, it makes me wonder how they are able to obtain such confidential client information from the ISP. That include the time of download, Anime, IP address (dynamic) as well as the port which happens to be a port used for torrents...

Thursday, June 07, 2007

"There Is No Explanation" is an explanation

I was replying to a thread in STOMP forum when these thoughts suddenly came to me in my reply.

The phrase "There Is No Explanation" is, in itself, an explanation (GenSephyr)

Sounds weird? After thinking about it, you'll come to realize that it is quite true.
In one's life, there are countless experiences and sights we have seen, smelled, felt, heard etc. However, with each of these, a reason is sought. Questions like "why is that happening?" is always asked, especially by the young ones.

Whenever that question is asked, whether to ourselves or someone, the explanations given comes from one's experiences. More often than not, these explanations have scientific or religious backgrounds. However, what about those that aren't explained either by our religious or scientific reasonings or, taking it further, can't even be explained when you Google it or put it through some other search engines like Yahoo or Windows Live Search?
At that juncture, the answer to yourself would be "there is no explanation (for now)".

Let's take this out of context and give an example.

For example, in a Mathematics question. The teacher tells you that "a x b = |a||b|sinÓ¨" (its in the topic of vectors). You ask, how the formula came about. The teacher answers that it is too complicated to answer.
At this point, in order for you to accept that formula, the explanation behind the formula (for the student) would be "its too complicated to know".

Take this case above and put it in the previous context, wouldn't the phrase "there is no explanation" which is similar to "its too complex to know" be the explanation for the unexplained?

Don't know if I make sense here but, I'll just end here with you in thoughts (or maybe not)...

Monday, June 04, 2007

water.no.fall

New layout, about 1 month after the launch of my second layout which was titled: Desire Secundus.

The new layout is titled water.no.fall.
This is the more closely tied to my blog title ("Risen Against Gravity") compared to my other layouts I've done so far..
As you may have noticed, the main waterfall picture is reversed, going against the natural gravity.

I've also finally incorporated a tag cloud.

This is my Third (Terzo) XML Layout.
And that can be applied to the page permanently regardless of my future layout changes using this URL: http://gyeojz.blogspot.com/?css=3

To reset, use http://gyeojz.blogspot.com/?css=0

Last but not least, a credit..... the original picture is taken by Jessica =)

Sunday, June 03, 2007

Milestones: Passing the baton

Its been a few days, (3 days to be precise), since the last training. Been enjoying myself these few days.

Yep. Thats right, I had my last training last Wednesday, May 30th. It marked the end of 6 years in bowling. Memories aplenty. I don't know to feel happy or sad.

May 30th, has, with it, another significance. It was the stepping down of the 2006-2007 Executive Committee of Bowling. I relinquished my post as the Secretary and the Webmaster of the Temasek JC bowling events and announcement website.

It seems not too far ago when I was propelled into the team, blur and all, not knowing many of my team-mates and I still remember my reluctance to go back into bowling after my stint in secondary school. However, I still don't know what enticed me back into it. Ok... Maybe I do know the reason... buried somewhere in my mind.... Its just that I don't want to admit it =P

Since that fateful first training, many things has happened...

Over 2 years, (slightly over 1 year to be precise), I've made some good calls, made some bad calls too.
Came up with a id system for attendance filing as well as my personal database for attendance (for my use only though).
Designed, implemented the website, brought most things online etc.
Although some were scrapped later, looking back, it wasn't really how effective it was, but rather, the process which was required before finding a suitable method was the part which was enjoyable and filled with learning points...
On top of that, there are also other learning points (HR and social for example), that just can't be put into words here...

Fast forward to last week, I've already been through another 2 National school's competitions, National Age Groups, other mini tournaments and stepped down from the competition scene for good (at least for now).

Its been days.. and I still don't know what to think.

Starting 31st May the new committee (2007-2008) has already taken over. All I can say is, congratulations to Darryl, Chris, Marcus, Yixuan, Natalie and Petrina, in forming the new committee.
May you bring the team to greater heights....

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Blogskin / style switcher Version 2

In the last post (http://gyeojz.blogspot.com/2007/05/blogskin-style-switcher.html), I've announced the availability of the blogksin switcher.

After some work, I've updated it to remember the user's preferences via the use of cookies. It was some work, but finally it is ready.

For those who want to have a style switcher but are unable to use brothercake's IOTBS in Blogger or some other sites due to the same-origin policy, my style switcher may be the answer. However, it may not be suited for all, but at least it works.



Some good points over the usual "alternate stylesheet method";
1. It loads the styles on demand.
2. Its cross-browser compatible. (at least its tested to work in Firefox, IE6, IE 7 and Opera).
3. Its customizable to load other style required elements like javascript on demand too.
4. The file size is relatively small.

Known Issues
1. In Opera, default is alright. but some layout problems when a alternative style is used. Seems that it doesn't really support link disabled.



The switcher works by getting the ?css= Parameter in the URL.
index.html?css=0 resets to the default style. While other numbers corresponds to the other style types.

I'll be packaging the scripts into a zip file and releasing it under a license once I solve the Opera bug/problem.

So watch this space =)

UPDATE: Opera Problem fixed.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Blogskin / style switcher

Remember a few post ago at the release of my current blogskin, "Desire Secundus: Choosing the path to take", I was musing about the lack of support for the IOTBS switcher because of cross-domain restriction?

well, I've thought about it and came up with a solution.
Using a script from netlobo which gets url parameters, I've came up with something which emulates PHP (but less efficient) and is expandable for future blogskins/style.
It even downloads the blog styles on-demand...

However, there is one limitation. The user preferences aren't remembered and the only way is for the user to visit the site using the appropriate URL parameters to view the skin.

Probably the user preference will come at a later date.
For now, enjoy the switcher (located in the sidebar or somewhere in the page depending on the blogskin/style).

The GET URL parameter script is copyright to the respective programmer.
For now, the switcher is copyrighted to me. I may decide to release it under another license at a later date. For now, it is still undergoing some tests.

So enjoy!

(p.s. For those who haven't read the news on the closure of Yahoo photos, you can read an article about it at my tech blog.)

Monday, May 21, 2007

Migraine or is it?

Migraine. Or is it not. I don't know.
All I know My head is spinning in a circle as big as earth....

Probably due to a disturbed sleep pattern yesterday, when I woke up almost every 20minutes to half an hour.
Situation was exacerbated by staring at the Overhead Projector (OHP) and the PowerPoint projections during tutorial and lectures respectively. Much better now though. My eyes are like 20 times more tired when I stare at an OHP or projected screen as compared to using the computer.

I really dislike them. Nothing I can do though.

Hope tomorrows tournament goes well.

Anyway, lets end with a quote shall we??

Fighting isn't good. But if you must fight, WIN!

Cherios.

Blogskins: Desire Secundus

As you may have noticed, a new layout/blogskin is out. my old layout is still in use at my tech blog: http://tech-no-borders.blogspot.com.

This layout/blogskin is titled: Desires Secundus: Choosing the path to take.

Any comments on the blogskin/layout please do so.
Hope I've broken the "corporate look".

Wanted to incorporate a layout changer though... but (surprise surprise), it works in Firefox but not Internet Explorer (IE).
Even IE7 can't use it because of some cross-domain restriction that the browser places on JavaScript. So no choice. Had to take it out.

EDIT (22 May 2007): An update to a new style/blogskin/layout changer (which works in IE) at http://gyeojz.blogspot.com/2007/05/blogskin-style-switcher.html

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Ruling in favour of no blogs | Coding New Layout

Main

We've been banned.. or rather, discouraged from blogging anything related to the current ongoing tournament by the teacher in charge. So for now, nothing of that sort.

I don't usually blog anything about the Sport anyway... haha..

New Layout/Skin

On top of that, I'm working on a new skin. The drive for the layout/skin is different than the current one.

The current one, titled Primero(1st), is my first XML layout and also a trial to see what the new Blogger could do. Moreover, I wanted to see how a layout will look like, using just one image for the entire site. And the result was Primero(1st).

The new layout/skin will be of a less serious style than this one, based on the above banner picture which I put it there as a preview.

Its gonna be titled: "Desires: Secundus..."

Till the end of the tournament.

Sunday, May 13, 2007

LOST: phone

What a week. I would say I attended my most expensive drama at VJC.

Ok. The drama is 8 bucks. However, the total cost to me incurred was, to be exact, over 600 bucks.

That value comes about from the lost of my W850i handphone in the cab. It was my error and mistake to actually drop my handphone in the cab. I didn't manage to get the Taxi car plate.

But from that I found out a few things.

1. The Taxi company, or to be precise, the Cab Driver, was quite unhelpful. Probably my luck to get one who was sighing loudly all the way from VJC to my house. The company sent a mass radio out to all the cabbies but got no reply. Wonder if he was the one who pocketed my phone.

2. I guess there are still many people who are dishonest and are greedy a**holes. The person who picked up my phone has the cheek to call, remain silent when I said hello and put down the phone and switch it off.
The person must have sold my handphone for a fat 300 bucks (I went to my Phone Provider to find out the trade-in price).

I have since disabled that line and got my Phone Provider to replace my SIM card and deactivate the other one before re-enabling my line again. Now I'm only worried about the data in the Phone and Memory card.

To make matter's worse, I got a phone call from an indecent Chat line which I slammed the phone down at.
(Figure of speech. I can't risk destroying my old handphone that I'm using now - from 6 years ago, or I'll have none left to use)..

I have already reported the lost of the phone as well as the phone's IMEI number to the Police. The person better not try anything funny.

Cur*** that person who found my phone and didn't return it.
Hope that person gets struck by lightning or something.
Or better still, lose all his/her money.

I know I'm harsh here... But I just too heartbroken and angry.

On a side note, my National Schools tournament begins tomorrow.
Hope I aren't too affected by this....
For the sake of myself and my school, I must "Get My Head In The Game!";

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Blogging Code of Conduct should be a Guideline NOT Mandate

I guess this is something we all know this will come sooner or later...

In the Straits Times Digital Life Section (May 8, 2007, Page 31), an article titled: "Do bloggers, and readers, need a code of conduct" is very apt and pertinent.

I for one has asked myself this when I first heard about the drafting of the blogger's code of conduct over at blogging.wikia.com

Indeed, there are now threats being made via anonymous comments and also the intolerable advertisements post via the blog's comments system or some chat or tagbaord system on the blogs.

However, the question is, why do we need one? The allure of blogs is its openness, "anonymity" as well as it free-flowing nature. Any comments are posted and aired. Would this code of conduct then turn against the very foundation which blogs are built on?

In this digital age, the internet is used as a personal haven as much as a business tool. With the increasing affluence of the people, and the ease of internet use nowadays it is no wonder some sort of code of conduct is need. That is however, usually covered by a country's law.

However, there has been an increasing need to put some sort of guidelines for blogs. Blogging has seen an exponential increase these few years. With many companies also moving into the blogging scene. With such a trend, and the simplicity of opening up a blog, it is no wonder that many incidents are also happening which are related to blogs.

The online nature of blogs has exposed itself to the internet pits. The list includes (but isn't limited to): flaming, Bias comments, Unwarranted accusations and so on. And with the increasing use of blogs as a media for information, the question on the privacy of one's sources also come into play.

I personally feel that the code of conduct is definitely a good thing to have. However, knowing the nature of blogs and being a blogger, I think that it shouldn't be something made compulsory. Anything made compulsory especially on the web always have an effect of turning people off. Whats more, the web usually presents a snowball effect on the simplest of things.

So in conclusion, I do welcome a "code of conduct guideline" but not a "code of conduct mandate".

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

New Layout

I guess this is obvious. After a day's work, (time slightly wasted), I've finally rolled out a new layout for this blog and will soon port it over to my technology blog http://tech-no-borders.blogspot.com.

This is my first Layout for the new Blogger. It is a full eXtensible Markup Language (XML) template.

There are still some features like tagboard which aren't up yet. I still need to do some fine tuning. so for now please post any comments you have at the respective comments link in the posts. Non-article related comments are also welcomed. Cheers.

And to all my friends, thanks for the concern. I should be going back to school tomorrow.

Cheers!

Saturday, April 28, 2007

Lesson learnt: Sleep properly.

One lesson learnt: Sleep properly.

It wasn't fun to have to move around the place with a sprained neck. Feels like a robot. Made things worse when I went for P.E. in the morning. Left my neck almost paralyzed on Friday. Had to skip school.

No choice. Can't escape forever. I must be out of my mind, but went for training today. Bowled close to six games in 3 hours. Now my neck hurts like crazy.

Ouch...

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Chart functionality in Google Spreadsheet

Google Spreadsheets finally added chart functions.

Read More about it at Tech-no-borders (My Tech Blog) at: http://tech-no-borders.blogspot.com/ 2007/04/chart-functionality-in-google.html

The Last Samurai

Was watching The Last Samurai on Television. Although I felt if that scenario happened in the real world, some deaths can be prevented. However, besides that, I think one quote that is worth giving thought about is:
There is Life in every Breath

This quote seems simple enough, but with it encodes a valuable lesson I think.. That is to treasure life and feel every step you take. You can't regret in the future and go back to the past...

Other gems (memorable conversations) found in the movie include:

Katsumoto: You believe a man can change his destiny?
Algren: I think a man does what he can, until his destiny is revealed.


Emperor: Tell me how he died.
Algren: I will tell you how he lived.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Project Work

Project Work results are out on Friday.

The word Project Work somewhat bred enthusiasm in me last year.
However, after Friday's Result release I only have one word for it: Unjustified.

In all fairness, I didn't do that badly. Some say I should be happy with it. However, the fact that it wasn't an A still resonates. In fact I feel quite unjustified that our entire group no one got an A. The time put in just wasn't reflect in the final results.

Sigh.. all the unfairness of the world...

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Powerpoint woes

I guess many may have read, in the recent Digital Life (Straits Times April 10 2007) a study done by Australian researchers show that the use of PowerPoint Presentations, is actually making it harder for students to process information.

The above findings is contrary to the previous stand of many that PowerPoint Presentations are helpful and thus aid students in studying. This is due to the research finding stating that the "human brain retains more information if digested in verbal or written form, but not both simultaneously." (the quote was quoted ad verbatim from The Straits Times, Digital Life, Page 27)..

This finding is in support of what students have already feedback to teachers. The use of PowerPoint exacerbates what is already boring. It makes interesting lessons boring and boring lessons worse.

The situation is made alot worse when the presenter already dumped all the information on the PowerPoint slides and is just reading from it. This coupled with the fact that every other PowerPoint presentation looks the same as it comes from the same set of templates is just unbearable.

To be fair, PowerPoint can be a good supplementary tool for teaching. However, the use of PowerPoint for everything is simply distasteful. In my opinion, it should not be used as a main medium for teaching. It really cuts out the interaction and excitement of a lecture.

But what really marvels me is that why does it need to take a study to prove a point? I believe by now, many students would have complained about excessive use of PowerPoints in school. So the question becomes "Why wait so long for the study?"... "Are things going to change now that the study is out?"

The answer to those questions lie outside my scope...

Friday, March 30, 2007

One Errr... Week

Its one err... week. Can't find a word to fit in there.

It wasn't fantastic, neither was it so horrible. Probably next week will be worse with all the tests cramped into that space of 4 days (Friday is good Friday).

No handphone now as it is in the Repair center. Went to get that Service Provider customizations out. So troublesome. Wished the service provider didn't customize the phone in the first place. The Service provider replaced the Menu button with a shortcut to GPRS button.. So irritating. Always end up having to pay for data charges at the end of the month because of accidental access. Especially infuriating is when u finish a call and hang up, if the other party hang up faster than you, there is a chance that u will access GPRS because the end call button is the GPRS button after the customization. Really was a dis-service.

Got some interesting views to post... But too lazy to complete it.

I set up a satellite blog, which is aimed at documenting interesting technology (software) finds and useful tips among others... it is located at http://tech-no-borders.blogspot.com/

Thats all for now.. ciao.

Monday, March 26, 2007

New Week

This is the start of a new week... And darn. Our timetables have changed like countless times.. lets just hope it is now confirmed...

Anyway, just recovered abit from the last bout of sickness... Hope it stays that way.. Don't want to miss school again....

Anyway, I am thinking of starting a tech blog documenting new software finds, website or other useful tips I found... haha..

Can't be online long... got Biology SPA tomorrow...

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Sickly start

Oh no. Sick again.

To do

  • Serious need to revive this blog.
  • Complete sorting of my notes and tutorials

Saturday, March 03, 2007

Chinese Results

A Level Chinese results are out yesterday. Shan't comment. Did relatively well.. However, still not happy with it.

Well, I've found some topics to write about for my new blog posts... some of them are from the show, The Arena. However, commentaries are quite long.. taking sometime to write it out as well as ensure that nothing can be misinterpreted...

Thats all for now...

Sunday, February 25, 2007

CNY 8th Day

So its another Sunday. Also the 8th Day of Chinese New Year. So yesterday was the 7th Day. In other words, Happy Belated Birthday to Everyone!

So bored. Nothing eventful of inspirational to blog about... Searching for an article to talk about...

Looks like my tagboard is down too...

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Ghost Rider



Ghost Rider!!... watched it. Although, like my friend said, it feels like two stories and two plots mashed together....

Thursday, February 15, 2007

hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia

Its been sometime since I blogged as I haven't switched on my computer for about a week or so. Many things have happened.... New friends were made, but sadly, some were lost.... Well, back to the blog topic....

hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia

A friend was telling me about a long word in a dictionary. Well, what can I say. Long words are intriguing.... we just cant get enough of it.

Remember Mary Poppins? There was a song with the word: “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”. The word is obviously not a real English word. However, there are real English words which are just as long. One example would be “Antidisestablishmentarianism”

There is even an hypothetical disease of the lungs, caused by inhaling mineral or metallic dust. The name of the disease is: “pneumonoultramicrosopicsilicovolcanoconiosis”

For the uninitiated, according to Wikipedia, hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia is the fear of long words...

The word itself is an irony.. as a person who has sesquippedaliophobia, would fear the word itself.

So after this post, I hope no one gets hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia!!

(N.B. All meanings are obtained from Wikipedia)

Saturday, February 03, 2007

Paradox

There are always somethings which is just paradoxical

Like the sentence on Wikipedia: “This sentence is false” (The liar paradox).

A paradox is an apparently true statement or group of statements that leads to a contradiction or a situation which defies intuition. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paradox)

There are many experiences that results in a paradoxical situation that one may not be able to describe or put in words. It just seems so awkward and sometimes confusing.

Another example would be: “If truth does not exist, the statement ‘truth does not exist’ is a truth, thereby proving itself incorrect.” (Nihilist paradox taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_paradoxes)

Sidetracking.. ok.. actually still on topic....recent events followed by a reflection lead to me to conclude with this quote....

“We have to (learn how to) Let Go in order to Hold On (to something)....” (GenSephyr)

Paradoxical? Ironical? But quite true if you think about it... Many of these quotes depends on how you see it, or from what “angle” you look at it.

(N.B. and disclaimer: If you find any quote here in this post anywhere else (which is recognized to have been said by any person long time ago) but not cited properly, ... inform me so I can do the relevant citation or changes to include proper citation to the correct person... but for now, I take credit for the last quote about Letting Go... )

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Life's Like That

Yeah... Life's Just Like That.. the monotony of life is sometimes unbearable... Its school, work, pdp, work, and the cycle goes on. And in school we have to learn things like the Kreb Cycle, Calvin Cycle, not to mention Economic cycle (Circular Flow of Income) and trends...

Everything seems to be going in cycles or circles...

Nothings fair so far. Things aren't going right for the time being.. I really wonder if days are becoming shorter than the length of an ant. Its back from school and then a few hours and its 12am. Morning signals lack of sleep. 4-5 hours is hardly what is optimum recommended my professional psychiatrists and sleep analysts. I think if going by those sleep studies, I would have destroyed who knows how many brain cells already....

Running toward road run

My legs are aching like crazy again.... Ran 3.6km on Monday, Tuesday about 2.4km, Wednesday Bowling Training (footwork again), Thursday (today) 3.6km again... Tomorrow, well.. Bowling Training again...

3.6km is actually not that bad... other than the fact that it was an uphill run for a section.. took 22 minutes and 16 seconds today... Thats slow... I admit I walked abit, but that time still slow.. must improve although my legs were aching today even before I ran... the area behind my ankle is just screaming pain.

According to Mr Goh (a.k.a The person who calls us "army boy"...), he said that I was putting too much strain on the back of leg as its too tense when I run.... no wonder its driving me up the wall with the pain.

The 'O's and 'A's

'O' Level results according to Natalie, would be out next week... Anyway, good luck to all who are receiving their results.

(N.B: hey Nat.. You will do alright.. don't worry... =)

O.o... The post haven't end yet.. although "N.B." should come last in a letter.. but this is a blog... haha...

However, following that would be the 'A's and that'll be my turn and my classmates and the JC2s to start sweating in worry... Chinese and Project Work Results... Oh no... Hope there will be good news...

Just a quote

Guess like the quote of the week announced by Mr Liu (hey.. I pay attention during assembly you know...):

"The pessimist sees challenges in every opportunity, but the optimist sees opportunities in every challenge."

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Story of Public Toilet

Its really a wonder what kind of issues public toilets can throw up. Two issues that is almost intolerable... especially the first...

Issue One: Cheeky Uncles (Usually quite old)..

Thankfully these type of people are a minority... These people, trying to peep across urinals, can't mind their own business... Such creeps. You would think they feel that they aren't obvious in their peeping ethics.

Just the other day I was at a heartland shopping center toilet, I saw one uncle, probably about 50-something going 60 years old.... He kept turning his head side to side, looking around and sometimes even stretching his neck, trying to mind OTHER people's business.... The guy beside couldn't take it and left. I exited too. Couldn't tolerate that cheeky old guy...

Issue Two: Doors

You really wonder what are doors for....

Doors are suppose to keep what happens inside a particular area from what others aren't suppose to see.. So then I wonder, why do they put a stopper in front of the door keeping the main toilet door permanently opened.... So whatever activity that happens inside... No wonder nowadays, newer toilet designs do away with doors...

However, doing away with doors means a risk of people entering the wrong toilet...

For example, at a shopping center along orchard road, one guy came out of the male toilet and almost walked straight to the female toilet if not for the few of us who shouted out...

Toilets... one can wonder how many events can be associated with it....

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Risks...

This is probably a follow up of the last post: "Broken as it is..."

This poem was brought to my attention through my friends blog... Its aptly titled: "To Risk" by William Arthur Ward... So credits to YX for bringing it to my attention and to the author, William Arthur Ward

It should probably help me refocus...

"To laugh is to risk appearing a fool,
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out to another is to risk involvement,
To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.
To place your ideas and dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss.

To love is to risk not being loved in return,
To live is to risk dying,
To hope is to risk despair,
To try is to risk failure.
But risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing.
He may avoid suffering and sorrow,
But he cannot learn, feel, change, grow or live.
Chained by his servitude he is a slave who has forfeited all freedom.
Only a person who risks is free.

The pessimist complains about the wind;

The optimist expects it to change;

And the realist adjusts the sails."

Friday, January 26, 2007

Broken as it is...

Its been a week since I last blogged... Everything is going past very fast... A blink of an eye an its gone... Busy with almost everything. Schools not making anything easier. 8 hours of sleep? Thats history...

Broken as it is

Come to the topic. Nothing was actually broken.. Perhaps mentally but not physically...

I guess 2 main events. Caused my heart to break like a thin glass.... One happened a while ago (Event Number 2), and that I need sometime to organize before could write about it...

Lets start with Event Number 1...

Event Number 1 (only a small crack): Ok.. for the boring one... bowling today was a bit of a heart break. Videos and friends say otherwise, but to the coach it still seems wrong... time delay? Friends say yes, videos say yes, but coach say no.

Just what am I going to do???

Now for Event Number 2 (its broken entirely): Well... its already some time... but this was a big heartbreak.. Ok.. not that big.. but at least it was a closure... Or so I thought..

Still got lapses of aching-ness.. But at least I can sleep at night now... I really shouldn't dwell on it... but sometimes just can't help myself... at least everything went back ok... Certain degree of changes definitely.. my HP also went darn silent.. it became so eerie....

I really need to refocus...

-out-

Friday, January 19, 2007

Ham and strings

Ham and Strings

This post is all about eating Ham and making strings...
Nope.. I wish...But its not.. not about ham and strings but a word that is formed by those two..... thats right.. hamstring..
1.6km PLUS 2.3km PLUS 3km PLUS training (2 hours) AND more training (2 hours) EQUALS to serious muscle ache....
Ok.ok... its probably due to the lack of exercise previously.... I accidentally hurt my hamstring... this is made worse by the fact that a right-handed bowler needs to use my left leg the most... OUCH!!

Oh well... hope it gets well this weekend.. before physical education again on Monday.. If its still bad, maybe I should pay a visit to the physiotherapy clinic which is open in school every Tuesday...

Training

Two new additions to the team today.. more is expected to come next week... YX looked so down today...Blisters on foot etc... Guess we will find an increase in the number of cases as PE these few weeks will be running about 3km each time... Hope she is feeling better..

Forecast

Next week will be quite a horrible week.. I'm not looking forward to the Chemistry lecture test results. Though I'm quite ok with Economics....

Looks like our class is going to be some "sample" at a survey again... This time is for some Maths thing.. unclear its purpose though. We're suppose to go there and do some test which we don't even know is on what topic. I guess it'll be a general test similar to those Australian Maths Competition papers ...

Oh well....

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Track and Track

On the running tracks...

Probably never desired to run that much before. But started going for runs. Today was the first. Did a 2km run and was supposed to do 6 x 300m run / dash according to Trina's Track Tips to Pak, but couldn't do so because of the rain....

We could have ran in the rain like on Monday (Yesterday), but I'll be crazy to do so. Already I'm down by 1 pair of shoes as it was soaking wet by the time we finished our PE on Monday. Ran 2 rounds, School gate to school gate which translates to about 1.6km+. Darn cold after that...

It was about over a year since I last wore my Secondary School PE attire... But I did so today. Probably its the only time we can do something like that because its the first three months and there is a mixture of uniforms...

Gauri called Pak and me crazy when she saw us running... Maybe we were. but oh well....

Forecasts...

Well, half looking forward and half dreading tomorrow.

Tomorrow will be the Trials for year 1 intake. Wonder who will actually turn-up. However, I'm also dreading tomorrow as it would signal 1 more day to Economics Test and 2 days to Organic Chemistry Test.... I aren't that worried for the Econs test but that feeling is not echoed in the Chemistry Test. Organic Chemistry has over 8 Sets of notes which would be almost impossible to cover in a day... Hope a miracle happens....

Data...

Well, for those interested, here are Trina's Track Tips which I reproduced from Pak's Blog... List was originally given by Trina.



  1. 2km warm-up pace, 300m x 6
  2. 2.4km running pace, 150m x 4, 120m x 1, 800m cool down pace
  3. 2.2km slightly faster than warm-up pace, 800m x 6, 200m x 3
  4. 5.5km about running pace, 100m x 10 striding, 1.1km around cool down pace
  5. 800m warm-up, 2.2km, 150m x 10, 2.2km
  6. 100m x 5 striding, 15min run
  7. 20min run, 5 x 100m striding
  8. 20min run, 100m x 5 striding
  9. 800m warm-up, 2.4km and 1.6km time trial (10min rest in between), 150m x 8, 3 mins cool down
  10. 100m x 20, 2.2km about cool down pace
  11. 2.4km, 300m, 200m, 15min run cool down pace
  12. 200m x 4, 400m x 4, 800m x 2
  13. 3 mins warm-up, 7.5km, 200m tempo striding x 4
  14. 5 mins warm-up, 7.5km, 200m temp striding x 4
  15. 400m x 12, 100m x 10 striding
  16. 800m warm-up, 800m x 4, 120m x 5, 400m cool down
  17. 7 mins warm-up, 3.75km race pace, 200m striding x 3, 3.75km cool down/recovery run
  18. 1.1km, 600m x 5, 100m x 4 striding
  19. 600m warm-up, 1.2km x 3, 3.6km running pace
  20. 5 min warm-up, 3.75km race pace, 200m x 3 striding, 45 sec run x 2


Probably she won't read this but thanks Trina!



With that.. ciao.

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

A busy schedule

Its been a hectic few weeks. I know I haven't been blogging. My time at the computer has been limited to work and emails. Moreover, I forgot that I could blog by email. Though its only the 2 week at school (really feels like the 1st week only because of orientation activities), there has been tests scheduled and I am hard-pressed for time.

Over the past few weeks, other than recovering from a bad case of food poisoning and Stomach Flu, I turned 18 also. Finally M18 shows... Not that I am rushing to watch one. Its just nice to know that I can legally watch one if I want.... Anyway, below is a summary of events and thoughts (if any):

Orientation 2007 (BOND 2007)

After much rushing and much perspiration and running all over the place, the Orientation 2007 for the new JC1 intake finally ended on Saturday on a high note. Highlights include the "O-Nite" and the Mass Dance at Suntec Center.

Being in the Sub-committee of the Entertainment Committee has been a different experience. And this is especially significant also since I didn't get to participate in an Orientation during the first three months last year. Well it was fun overall and well, to a certain extent, the first day of school after the orientation, my friend and I agreed that we had a slight "Orientation Hangover".. Haha




30th Anniversary Website



As all TJCians know, TJC will be celebrating the 30th Anniversary this year, and the 30th Anniversary Events will kick off tomorrow with the official "launch" of the multitude of activities. Part of this will be the launch of the 30th Anniversary Website at http://www.tjc.edu.sg/anniversary

I heave a short sigh of relief as it signals the imminent handover of the website handling and maintenance to the actual team. I've been cracking my head over the website since December... not to mention server problems and stuff... And there are still a couple of things I must add as well as 2 or more plugins which I have to programme. Not easy being a one-man team for so long. Doing everything from banners to the coding.... Arrgh.. seeing stars....

Bowling

Tomorrow will be a PDP showcase for the year 1s. Nothing much here to say since the event isn't over yet. But.. I really like the banner which the team did this Sunday. Heres a picture which I obtained from Yixuan's blog...



Class

Regarding Classes... It seemed that we changed our Civics Tutor. With that, our Biology teacher changed too.... haiz.

The class is also thinking of printing a class tee.. Most probably dryfit material. Its still in the design stages. But seeing the draft design today, it should come out quite well....

Lunch with...

Went out with Jeremy for lunch on Saturday. So nice to see my best pal again. haha... He even visited SJI. Sad to say, I haven't gone back yet... He's flying back to London soon though. But before that I wish him good luck for tomorrow's National Service NAPFA test.

Monday, January 01, 2007

Sick

I'm as sick as a dog...Got food poisoning or stomach flu.

Ok.. today was probably better than yesterday which was darn bad...

Had diarrhea 3 times and vomited 5 times.. Feel and taste horrible. Threw up everything including stomach acid and bile.

Didn't eat the whole day. I think I'm gonna lose weight again. Haiz.

Haven't finish my holiday homework and school reopening on Wednesday. These few days were spent sleeping. Too sick to do anything..

These few days really horrendous.

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