And guess what - I realised I am after all entitled to UEMs/GEM exemption of 20MCs. Based on the recommended schedule, I can squeeze my university life into 3 years. But of course, the last year would be pretty shagged given that I have to clear 22-23MCs worth of modules. Probably gonna make it 3.5 years to make it less stressful.

Too bad I wasn't shortlisted for APC tests. It's either the grades or I submitted the application too last minute. The website even has a disclaimer for "Late application will not be considered". Geeze. If it's the latter, they better not impound the $100 cheque and better send it back to me. Would have been glad if I can the exempt the Basic Organic Chemistry module at least. Definitely wouldn't be taking the Basic Physical Chemistry if given, now that I look at their sample paper - lots of new stuff to learn. Oh wells, wasted my time studying for a test that I wouldn't be taking. Zzz.

And yes, deployment would be back in July for me. Same old thing once again. Let's just hope everyone's ord mood is under controlled, and that would include mine. If not, it will be rather chaotic man. Haha.

SINGfest 2010 is heading coming baby, and tickets are now on sale in sistic website. Damn, KATY PERRY's coming to Singapore! But the ticketing price seems rather steep for me at the moment. 175 bucks for a night of performance. Wonder Girls and Orianthi are performing on that night as well. Hmmm. Hope more line-up will be revealed soon on this. Hmmm...

As of now, I have just left 99 days in NS if my disruption approval went as planned. Can't believe I actually have to come back during the holidays to surf my remaining 43 days, and it's only then I get to officially ORD.

I'm disappointed with the way things are planned in my unit right now, having the deployment stretched all way till I disrupt. And nope, I strongly doubt that I am able to wear that No. 1 uniform and participate in the ORD parade - as that would have clashed with my orientation camp. Perhaps I might have to pull out some personal time to do so. It's a pretty tight schedule we have here in my unit. Why can't they just make it easier for the last Delta company to exist in the unit.

In terms of admin stuff, everything that used be settled by the HQ has been pushed down to my company level to deal with. What's the point of having so many people in the HQ when things like leave application and data entry of trainfire results are now dealt with by admin spec. What's more - I'm having double appointments and it's not easy dealing with all these sort of things. Of which, some deals with the touchy affair - money. My goodness, I just hope this would translate well for me personally now that I'm slowly getting into ORD mood (aka heck-care attitude). Haha. WEEeee....

Very soon, I'll turn 22 and before I know it, I'll have already disrupted my national service and move on to the next phase in life - studying. Dammit. Time just flies by us without knowing. Somehow I clearly remembered myself in bus journeys to and fro between my house and school, hawking the school library tables to rest, having the choice to eat at whichever canteens and many more. Gah.

Now to think of it, life is so fragile like a ticking bomb waiting for that particular day of uncertainty to arrive. This life that we have could be just this. No after-life or some sort. Scary, don't you think? If I'm just a Mayfly insect that has just 24 hours to live, I'll probably freak out on what I should do. Maybe.. just maybe time moves relatively slower for them. Hmm..

So yes, I need start developing a game plan for myself so that I can achieve what I want in life. But first thing first, I really need to learn to step out there, flap my wings and just venture into the wilderness... Hope I don't get myself bruise too badly when trying!

To be considered rich or should I say from high-income family, that would mean your household must be in the top 20% of Singaporeans while middle-income would be 40%. Perhaps this is why I see my family belonging to the latter group, probably in the mid-top tier. My family spending is reasonable, given that we don' spend money on extravagant things like posh cars or go overseas frequently. And even if we do nowadays, it would be somewhere in Asia for a short trip. Expenses are simply too high for a big group of family like mine which has 8 people in the household.

In any case, it's not as if I was born living in a landed property and eat with a silver spoon. My parents started building the business from scratch, we lived in HDB then and pocket money for schooling was simply quite sad. And because of the whole starting up of business thing then, I was put into care with my relative and stayed with them until I was young enough to go to PAP kindergarten. I even used to share a room with my grandparents and younger brother before getting my own room. Well.. One thing for sure I agree that I'm fortunate enough to be where I am now, thanks to them living more comfortably than in the past. And that's the reason why I shouldn't put any more stresses on their finances, and just study local when I can. But it's four years! Geeze, oh my goodness.

Okay, okay. Enough of this oblivion side of me. Haha. Hope no one get offended in any way yah. Peace out!

Recently, I tried using the Snapfish by HP to develop some of my ROC photos. It allows you to upload and select photos to print and have them sent over to your house. Well.. I wouldn't say that the photo quality better than those "conventional" means where you bring your SD card to the photo-studio to have them developed, but it certainly removes the hassle of going all the way there just to do so. As for pricing wise, it's pretty okay given that it's 18cents per photo, excluding delivery charge. One thing I forgot was that I realised that I don't really have any free photo frame or album to put all these photos. Was thinking of getting a cork board and have it installed in front of my desk, so that I can simply pin some photos up and perhaps some notes on my goals/aims whatsoever. Idea idea. Hmmm..

All my favourite drama series are coming back this year! Woots. Fringe latest episode just came out yesterday, and I've been catching quite a number of Glee episodes. Quite like it, perhaps due to its music nature. Singapore should totally have show choir as a CCA, something that is refreshing - compared to those boring choir kids standing on the aisle. Catch an episode of Glee, and you'll know what I'm talking about. "V" is another good drama series, that has featured just 3-4 episodes so far and will be starting its premiere again in March. Pretty good remake of the old show, in which it's about aliens coming to Earth appearing to be friendly only wanting to contribute to the human society or is it? Watch it, and you'll know the master plan behind all their actions and how long they have actually been here on Earth.

Enough jibberish, and burning time on this blog. Toodles.

And in a month's time or so, I'm gonna be 22. The last time my age had the same figure in both digits was 11 years ago back when I was in primary school. Now look at where I am. Serving my national service, from simply a recruit to an admin specialist to a section commander. But I must say I have learnt quite a bit from all these experience, being more able to lead in a way and more confident in talking. One of the crucial thing that I've learnt is to know how to code-switch - like using more of Singlish/Hokkien to be able to speak the men's lingo back in camp and not doing so when outside alright. Haha.

Anyway, soon I'll return back to studies by the end of next year. I'll have to start brushing my mathematics and chemistry in order to excel in the fearsome-and-all-too-competitive NUS. Somehow somewhat I'm actually still thinking of heading overseas to study instead, to make an escape. I supposed I can live in solitary there, now that I'm fairly more independent. I'll see about this I guess. Meanwhile, wish me all the best in doing my preparations!

And it's time for some tech-talk, can't wait for Nexus One to arrive in Singapore - it's actually the first built-for-Google phone by HTC. In terms of specifications and functionality, I would say it is fairly competitive against iPhone. And here comes the Apple rumour in which they say that they might be releasing an Apple Tablet computer, pretty much similar to iPod touch just way bigger in size. Hmm... By the way, if you noticed, I have updated the links on the side as well to make it look less cluttered and unorganised. Really don't get why people just like to change their blog urls - simply cumbersome for people on the other end to update. Zzz.

Entertainment wise. We've got quite a number of big names coming down this early year. Boyslikegirls. Paramore. Muse. Kings of Convenience. Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The Killers. Backstreet Boys. What more can you ask just early this year? Whew. I just hope Lady Gaga would come down to Singapore, together with the ultra-funky band Alphabeat like what they are doing now in Europe. Too bad they drop Singapore from this Monster Ball Tour, unlike the previous year's Fame Ball Tour. Bleh. Meanwhile, enjoy the latest music video "Hole In My Heart" by Alphabeat.

And every night I play, it let me,
Can you hear me now DJ,
Just let the music play, just let me
Just let the muic play, let the music play

I could be dancing,
I could be dancing all night,
If you'd play,
I would be dancing,
I would be doing alright,
If you'd play

I need something I can turn to,
Now and then, take me out, out now,
On and on, I need something I can turn to,
Something I can count in,
Day and night, on and on, like a record now,
Out now, I need something I can dance to

And every night I play, it let me,
Can you hear me now DJ,
Just let the music play, just let me
Just let the music play, let the music play

I could be dancing,
I could be dancing all night,
If you'd play,
I would be dancing,
I would be doing alright,
If you'd play

If you'd play,
If you'd play

I could be dancing,
I could be dancing all night,
If you'd play,
I would be dancing,
I would be doing alright (alright),
If you'd, you'd, you'd, you'd play

If you'd play (if you'd play)

I would be dancing,
I would be doing alright (alright),
If you'd play (DJ),

Just let the music play, let the music play,
Just let the music play, all night, alright,
Just let the music play, let the music play,
All night, let the music play,
All night, just let the music play,
Let the music play, alright,
Just let the music play (DJ)

Taiwan has been a rather fulfilling trip this time. It wasn't as originally planned - like admin just shake leg and relax. Due to last minute changes, I was thrown into a section commander role for a particular section throughout the exercise. Rusty I may be, but it's still fun yah. R&R was fun too, unlike in Thailand where we stay in the Saiyok camp. To think of it, I didn't even sleep over at the room allocated to me. Party all night at Lava in Taipei then went straight to the ops room for duty in the morning. Whew! So yes, that was Taiwan exercise.

And this year Christmas, we really had a lot of presents under that decade old Christmas tree of mine - I'm even taller than that Christmas tree now! Haha. But all the presents were sooo darn practical that I don't even want to mention it here. Sheeze. What to do, so many relatives over my new home this time. So sort of like a house warming party cum Christmas celebration. Haha. As for Boxing Day, it was a whole day with friends for karaoke at the standard Ten Dollars Club - and nope, I still don't really sing. Haha. After that, it was dinner makan with another group of friends at Ma Maison in Central - the Sizzling Hamburger Steak is good but isn't fantastic that you can see the light in the food haven. Caught "Sherlock Holmes" at Eng Wah Suntec after that - a move that I would definitely say worth watching. Still didn't catch my "New Moon" and "Avatar" till date. Blah. Looks like alternative means would be the way to go now.

2010 here I come!

Back in camp, I'll need to settle what to be moved over and what to throw away from the existing office. On top of these, I still need to do some ROC preparations! Goosh. This can totally KO me already. Headache. Hopefully, by the time I'm back in Singapore on the 13th December, my house would be ready for Christmas celebration. *crossfingers* The only thing I like about the new home would be that.. well.. I'm now just a little bit closer to Changi Airport! Haha. This means I'll reach home pretty early yeaa.. Lol.

For example, I had to come down today and settle some outstanding problems. I thought that I could have get it done by lunch, but before I knew it... *poof* I worked all the way till 5am. There goes my off. Can you believe it? (ring ring) Another call comes in, and guess what? - I have to head back to the office earlier to settle this fellow. Oh dear.. How come rejection seems pretty hard for me, perhaps asking for off in-lieu work be easier - provided that there is!

Hmm.. The upside of things? I get to stay cool in the air-conditioned room around the clock till I catch a cold or something. Needless to say, there's always something to do then. However, when I REALLY has nothing to do, I really got nothing to do - so much so that I just waiting for time to pass by. But I have yet to experience this in the office, given this amount of tasks that I'm given. What's more - there's a big announcement happening in late December.

Oh yes, I get the news first of course as an administrator, then I'll start leaking it out to others. Source you might say. But some will always say "how come you don't know when as the administrator" when you just didn't get the information. Zzz. Most importantly, I just hope that I do not need apply any dull-looking colour cream on my sensitive skin any time soon. When the day comes, it will definitely be a big boo-hoo for me man.

Amazing how I tried to write this entry as non-related to the work I do, even though it is related eh? Haha. Funky!

There's really too much movies out there to watch nowadays. So much so that I couldn't seem to find time or kakis for it. Had to resort to alternative means to watch my District 9, Up, The Proposal etc. I'm soo becoming the Baidu King who just streams away while he's at home. Haha.. The movie '9' is rather good in terms of animation, plot wise not bad but you might just lose your way in the beginning part of the show. Better to read up a little bit on the movie summary first before watching it. If not, you'll be like huh? As for "Inglorious Basterds", it was shown in a very classic quirky way going by chapters. But I must say it's rather good to watch, seeing how Nazi was eliminated in an alternate reality way. Haha. "It's a bingo!"

Now, I'm just waiting for all my drama series to start popping back with new seasons like Private Practise and Fringe. Looking forward to this upcoming show called "Flashforward", using the similar technique that lost everyone in the show called Lost. Haha. Too bad that show's coming back only next year 2010. And that's why I watch this other shows as my junkie alternative fix.

Let's talk a little bit about my life now in camp. Same old thing, going back and forth between deployment site and camp. Nothing much really. Just getting slightly busy with the administrative work piling up for the upcoming months ahead. Life as it is. Oh yes, I simply love my E51 sia. Have been using it to watch mobile TV like BCC News live since it's free for Starhub Sports Group subscriber until end of year. Funky I must say. Other than that, keep using it to facebook and check updates. Haha. As usual, have been using twitter via SMS to update my facebook, a rather sniffy way how things connect eh? Haha. Just hope my bill does go too high this month, since last month was rather steep due to the excessive number of phone calls. Now, I really try to use a landline phone whenever I see one in camp to make calls. Hope this will reduce my bill since it's not really claimable for me. Gah.

[Verse 1]
I was so wrong for so long
only tryin to please myself (myself)
girl, i was caught up in her lust
when i dont really want no one else
so, no i know i should of treated you better
but me and you were meant to last forever

[Hook]
so let me in (let me in) give me another chance (another chance)
to really be your man
cause when the roof cave in and the truth came out
i just didnt know what to do
but when i become a star we'll be living so large
i'll do anything for you
so tell me girl

[Chorus]
Mmmm whatcha say,
Mmm that you only meant well?
well of course you did
Mmmm whatcha say, (whatcha say)
Mmmm that it's all for the best?
of course it is
Mmmm whatcha say,
Mmm that you only meant well?
well of course you did
Mmmm whatcha say, (whatcha say)
wha- wha- wha- wha- what did she say

[Verse 2]
how, could i live with myself
knowing that i let our love go (love go)
and ooh, when i do with one chance
i just gotta let you know
i know what i did wasnt clever
but me and you we're meant to be together

[Hook]
so let me in (let me in) give me another chance (another chance)
to really be your man
cause when the roof cave in and the truth came out
i just didnt know what to do
but when i become a star we'll be living so large
i'll do anything for you
so tell me girl

[Chorus]
Mmmm whatcha say,
Mmm that you only meant well?
well of course you did
Mmmm whatcha say, (whatcha say, whatcha say)
Mmmm that it's all for the best?
of course it is
Mmmm whatcha say,
Mmm that you only meant well?
well of course you did
Mmmm whatcha say, (whatcha say, whatcha say)
wha- wha- wha- wha- what did she say

[Verse 3]
girl, tell me whatcha said (said)
i dont want you to leave me
though you caught me cheatin
tell me, tell me whatcha said (said)
i really need you in my life
cus things aint right, girl
tell me, tell me whatcha said (said)
i dont want you to leave me
though you caught me cheatin
tell me, tell me whatcha said (said)
i really need you in my life
cus things aint right

[Hook]
cause when the roof cave in and the truth came out
i just didnt know what to do
but when i become a star we'll be living so large
i'll do anything for you
so baby watcha say!

[Chorus]
Mmmm whatcha say,
Mmm that you only meant well?
well of course you did
Mmmm whatcha say, (whatcha say, whatcha say)
Mmmm that it's all for the best?
of course it is
Mmmm whatcha say,
Mmm that you only meant well?
well of course you did
Mmmm whatcha say, (whatcha say, whatcha say)
wha- wha- wha- wha- what did she say

Oh yes, I have officially updated my phone from SE W810i to Nokia E51! Really liked the functions available in the Nokia phone, being able to go onto Wi-Fi and leech all those Wi-Fi spots. Hahaa.. Find it too much of a hassle to constantly switch from a non-camera to camera phone vice versa. As such, a decision was made - and poof! Got it from Starhub at Tampines Mall for $38 with contract, using a $100 discount voucher. Permanent phone till national service is over for me.

Another major update will be that I'll be moving over to the Loyang area from existing Sengkang in December tentatively. Really liked this current location, being in the North-East and freely accessible to the transportation like NEL. Want to go to AMK also easy, want to go Pasir Ris also easy. Now heading back to Pasir Ris once again after 10 years here. Living at the extreme is real mafun I feel. Bleh! Oh well.. This is a good time to upgrade the home I guess, with property market rallying. Bleh.

Anyway, I have just updated my website to bring the Twitter to the main content page from the side bar. It's currently being used to update my Facebook status. So yes, I find that these tools are much more useful in making this site somewhat lively again, rather than my once-in-a-blue-moon blog updates. Hahaa.. National service really kills the mood you know. Micro-blogging rules!

Technology News of The Week!

Creative has just released a developer version Zii Egg player. Its specifications looks darn awesome, and better than iPod Touch in fact:

• Capacitive 10-point multi-gesture touch display
• 3.5" 320x480 true-color display
• Up to 32GB internal plus SDHC slot (supports up to 32GB of external SDHC Card)
• Supports: MP3, WMA, AAC, WMV, H.264, MPEG-4, AVI, and MOV
• X-Fi audio processing
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• 3-axis Accelerometer
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
• Hardware GPS receiver
• 32MB NOR (Linux Kernel Boot ROM)
• 256MB Mobile DDR RAM
• Supports 720p and 1080p HDTVs via HD cable
• Headphone socket, built-in speaker and microphone
• Dual cameras: Forward-facing HD camera & Rear-facing VGA camera
• 1200mAH rechargeable lithium-ion
• 115 x 62 x 12 mm (108grams)

So you might guess what's the big fuss about this player, with it looking just like an iPod Touch clone. Well.. It runs on Zii chip, which is rather similar to Nvidia's Tegra chip (used in the upcoming Zune HD player) and as such, it processes applications 1000x faster than iPod Touch. Will Apple able to find a chip that can do things way faster than currently? Who knows.

But the main selling point is that it can actually handle Android OS which was demonstrated in a CNET Asia video. This means that it is actually the first music-centric player that can run Android, commonly used in phones at the moment. This player itself just shortfall of a SIM card capability in becoming a phone itself, perhaps this is the reason why this very product targets developers, in hope that they can do something with it for a bigger cause. With Android itself, this opens up the player into the Android Market community that is similar to the iTunes application community.

A big storm's coming... But nevertheless, all eyes are now on Apple with its upcoming 3rd generation iPod Touch rumoured due in September - heard that it's now smack on with a camera too. Hmm.. No more use for camera sensitive personnels I guess.

A domesticated girl thats all you ask of me
Darling it is no joke this is lycanthropy
The moon's awake now with eyes wide open
My body's craving so feed the hungry

Ive been devoting myself to you Monday to Monday and Friday to Friday
Not getting enough retribution or decent incentives to keep me at it
Im starting to feel just a little abused like a coffee machine in an office
So Im gonna go to my closet and get me a lover and tell you all about it

Theres a she wolf in the closet
Open up and set it free
Theres a she wolf in the closet
Let it out so it can breathe

Sitting across a bar staring right at her prey
Its going well so far shes gonna get her way
Nocturnal creatures are not so prudent
The moon's my teacher and Im her student

To locate the single men I got on me a special radar
And the fire department hotline in case I get in trouble later
Not looking for cute little divos or rich city guys I just want to enjoy
By having a very good time and behave very bad in the arms of a boy

Theres a she wolf in the closet
Open up and set it free
Theres a she wolf in the closet
Let it out so it can breathe

SOS shes in disguise
SOS shes in disguise
Theres a she wolf in disguise
Coming out coming out coming out

SOS shes in disguise
SOS shes in disguise
Theres a she wolf in disguise
Coming out coming out coming out

Theres a she wolf in the closet, let it out so it can breathe