Friday, November 30, 2007
X... | 8:59 PM
Imagine receiving the following email reply...
You're One Step Closer To The Samsung T10!
From: Ripplevox
Sent:Friday, November 30, 2007 3:20:41 PM
Reply-to:Lin
To: stanleyah@hotmail.com
From: Ripplevox
Sent:Friday, November 30, 2007 3:20:41 PM
Reply-to:Lin
To: stanleyah@hotmail.com
Dear ripplevoxers;
Thank you for applying to test drive Samsung's new YP-T10 wireless MP3 player. You're now one step closer towards owning your very own YP-T10!
As a wireless wizard, here's the run down on what you will need to do;
Give us your no-holds-barred lowdown on what you like and don't like.
Wanna share your experience with your family and friends? Go ahead! In fact, we want you to.
Blog about your YP-T10 experience with pictures or videos!
Spread the word - send details of the YP-T10 to friends and family whom you know will love to own one so they can enjoy a special offer with their purchase!
Critique our Untangle Your MP3 videos on the Samsung website and leave your comments on YouTube, Facebook, forums or blogs.
Hobnob with fellow wireless wizards at a special event while exploring the world of YP-T10 and its Bluetooth headset.
Treat the YP-T10 like you would your baby. Your wallet won't like it if your YP-T10 gets damaged.
Complete the above activities, over a 4 week period and the Samsung YP-T10 and Bluetooth headset are yours to keep. It's that simple!
Yes, I'm Ready!
Now all you have to do is to click here to log into ripplevox and confirm you're ready to complete these tasks.
We look forward to having you on the wireless wizard team.
The Ripplevox Team
Thank you for applying to test drive Samsung's new YP-T10 wireless MP3 player. You're now one step closer towards owning your very own YP-T10!
As a wireless wizard, here's the run down on what you will need to do;
Give us your no-holds-barred lowdown on what you like and don't like.
Wanna share your experience with your family and friends? Go ahead! In fact, we want you to.
Blog about your YP-T10 experience with pictures or videos!
Spread the word - send details of the YP-T10 to friends and family whom you know will love to own one so they can enjoy a special offer with their purchase!
Critique our Untangle Your MP3 videos on the Samsung website and leave your comments on YouTube, Facebook, forums or blogs.
Hobnob with fellow wireless wizards at a special event while exploring the world of YP-T10 and its Bluetooth headset.
Treat the YP-T10 like you would your baby. Your wallet won't like it if your YP-T10 gets damaged.
Complete the above activities, over a 4 week period and the Samsung YP-T10 and Bluetooth headset are yours to keep. It's that simple!
Yes, I'm Ready!
Now all you have to do is to click here to log into ripplevox and confirm you're ready to complete these tasks.
We look forward to having you on the wireless wizard team.
The Ripplevox Team
WOOHOOO! BRING IT ON! I'm keeping my fingers crossed...
timber! | 6:37 PM
The winds were howling non-stop from the outside, down the hallway and straight into my room. I snacked quite a bit because of the chill. My run earlier had gone to waste definitely! Then mom came by and told me that a tree had fallen over the road leading to our flat. I could not see the carnage from 9-floors up where I live as my view was blocked by the surviving trees. I sure hope that the road will be cleared before I head out later in the evening!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
xbox360! | 4:53 PM
I just could not wait for prices to drop anymore. Finally, I got my hands on the xbox360 console! The Halo3 (limited edition) freebie was the factor that made me lose my financial inhibition. I know it is pointless to delay the purchase til the final day of Sitec Show to await further discounts or more freebies - which they won't because the product is price-controlled by the Microsoft like those of big name labels. After a little bargaining session with the boss at the trade show, he threw in a little mini-fridge that also keeps drinks warm! I should have checked the colour of the latter freebie though because I had received a pink edition! A blue or white one would have suited the colour scheme of things around me just fine. Well, the purchase of 3 additional Halo3 controllers and 3 game titles (all on offer!) did set me back by quite a bit - I gather it's a sooner-or-later predicament... :)
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
rain... | 8:49 PM
this is your life | 5:59 AM
Switchfoot
and finally...the band in person and live!!!
yesterday is a wrinkle on your forehead
yesterday is a promise that you've broken
don't close your eyes, don't close your eyes
this is your life and today is all you've got now
yeah, and today is all you'll ever have
don't close your eyes
don't close your eyes
this is your life, are you who you want to be
this is your life, are you who you want to be
this is your life, is it everything you dreamed that it would be
when the world was younger and you had everything to lose
yesterday is a kid in the corner
yesterday is dead and over
this is your life, are you who you want to be
this is your life, are you who you want to be
this is your life, is it everything you dreamed that it would be
when the world was younger and you had everything to lose
don't close your eyes
don't close your eyes
don't close your eyes
don't close your eyes
this is your life are you who you want to be
this is your life are you who you want to be
this is your life, are you who you want to be
this is your life, are you who you want to be
this is your life, is it everything you dreamed it would be
when the world was younger and you had everything to lose
and you had everything to lose
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
job offer | 8:16 AM
Doing a favour for a cafe captain-ess:
- 16 years and above only
- Temp job at Spinelli Cafe, Novena Sq
- $4.50/hr during 1 month probation
- After probation, pay is negotiable!
- to commit at least 3x/week
- free snack-meal + 2 drinks for 6 hrs work sesion
I will only recommend reliable students, so email me or leave a comment if you are interested.
this is your life | 7:52 AM
Switchfoot
The accident, the lost soul, the drag, drugs and drinks, and the turnaround...standard elements of too many movies.
Local censors would slap the video with a M18 rating because of the mock-drug taking scene. So you have been warned. Albeit a tad preachy, the effort is commendable.
Monday, November 26, 2007
condolences | 11:26 PM
It's sad to read about the recent tragedy of the 5 dragon boaters in Cambodia when the incident was preventable. Condolences to their family members and friends.
choke | 9:09 PM
Zul, Matthew and myself taking a break from our weekly badminton sessions. I looked more pale than usual perhaps because I was accidentlly choke-strangled by Matthew's friendly gesture.
Thanks guys for helping out with the books!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
rink | 4:02 PM
So it's truly a skating rink the managemet brought in this time. Nicholas Han, you have guessed it right. I must say I am pleasantly surprised by the creative ideas by the folks at Novena Square. Albeit a little small, the skating rink reminds me of that famous one at Rockafella in New York which I had searched high and low for during a USA backpacking trip long ago only to realise that it had been converted to a cafe area because it was summer then. :P 
dilapidated | 8:32 AM
This picture is with courtesy of Jonathan Tee, an ex-student. It features one of the places I like to explore every year (at least while it is still not boarded up like some old places) whenever I make trips to Pulau Ubin. I am looking forward to checking out the spooky place again this Friday! Any interested parties, leave a comment. I'll have my PA screen you first for safety reasons before I agree to let you tag along. Haha.
cautionary tales | 7:52 AM
this is your life | 5:44 AM
switchfoot
childhood explorations...the journey metaphor.
I love exploring dilapidated places like that in the video.
Friday, November 23, 2007
flight-less | 3:53 PM
We came across this beautiful dragonfly from the hands of some students. It was injured and probably in its final stage of its very short lifespan. The eyes reflect a mesmerising emerald shine which is a reminder of the wonders of the One who created this great world. I have never seen one so big up close. My ex-colleague friend held it in her palm with a certainty she claims to have developed from her days growing up in Choa Chu Kang. I must admit she was rather brave.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
bulbs | 9:50 PM
Light bulbs that make your enemy go into spasms for a small fee.thanksgiving | 7:27 AM
An idea struck me while I was brushing my teeth just now. By the way, the bathroom has always been the place pregnating ideas for many geniuses in history! Ahem! In line with thanksgiving which is either yesterday or today, I think, I have decided to do something with a slight twist. I will be mulling over the contents for this special entry, so stay tuned!Xbox 360 Debuts Videogame Industry's First and Only "Family Timer" | 6:02 AM
Mon 12 Nov 2007
Microsoft Corp. announced the introduction of the videogame industry's first and only "family timer" today. The Xbox 360 Family Timer gives parents, for the first time, power to set the appropriate amount of gaming and entertainment time for their kids, on a daily or weekly basis.
"As a leader in interactive entertainment, it's Microsoft's responsibility to provide parents with tools to manage their children’s video gaming and online experiences, and we have made that a priority from the very start," said Robbie Bach, president of Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft.
Resource :
the complete article - log in to 3rd Buzz (for tuition students only)
this is your life | 5:08 AM
Switchfoot
Here's a ratrace version of the song...
WARNING - do not close your eyes and drive!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
New Mac Ads Take Another Dig at PC | 5:00 AM
Mon 12 Nov 2007
Purely for entertainment value, the new series of Mac ads, probably in conjunction with the recent launch of Leopard, has garnered quite a few laughs. So, the next time you are looking at a Vista, remember this line from the advertisement: "Ask not what Vista can do for you, ask what you can buy for Vista."
gizmodo.com - Apple has just dropped three new commercials in the Get a Mac series. The adverts have the same old Mac Vs. PC theme, but they are still funny. Plus, no one has shouted us down for being fanboys for at least four posts straight. That, quite frankly, is unacceptable. So, here we are showing some Apple love and giving their new shoots some space. Truth be told, Mac and PC are both such douches, we don't really want to own either, but hell, they do make us chuckle.
To see the videos, head on over here.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
this is your life | 5:35 AM
switchfoot
The complete song accompanied by a home-video I found online. I find the stick-figure drawings really amusing.
Prepare to be bombarded...
Monday, November 19, 2007
What's That Crap?!! #1 - reveal | 7:19 PM
Remember What's That Crap?!! #1?
Well, here's the real thing revealed!Matthew Sia of 3SA got it right! (after a very obvious clue from myself).
the party! | 7:13 PM
The crazy party (missing a few who had work commitments) - Osman, myself, Daphne, Joanna and the birthday girl - Xin Yuan! Thanks Foo Koon for taking the picture!
the `break-in' | 4:58 PM
I bet many of you must have read about the rigged PSLE paper incident reported in - where else? - today's The New Paper.While keeping the above scandal in mind, this next incident of a "break-in" by 4 teachers to surprise a colleague on her birthday, with the latter's husband's support, has all the ingredients to make another mock-teacher-scandal.
Imagine the headline - "Teacher couple's home broken into - by 4 colleagues!"
The first paragraph reads - The couple feared the worst upon returning to a living room of overturned furniture and threatening items put up all around - that the serial burglar of Bishan had struck again! The young wife thought she had forgotten to lock the main door again when she returned to find it unlocked. Her thoughts went next to their 2 cats which had to be consoled for the trauma they were put through for encountering total strangers walking into the flat and being locked up in the study room while the latter group `ransacked' the unit...
We had to use strips of plasters as substitutes for tapes to put up the decorations.The birthday girl mentioned that this whirlwind experience made her feel like a kid again. :)
Happy birthday again my dear colleague - CXY!!!
bad-tennis | 4:10 PM
You can actually bat-minton with a tennis racket - another great workout day to shed my excess.
this is your life | 7:59 AM
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Velocity-Novena Square | 11:49 PM
Previously they had the outdoor volleyball sand pit cum court. Then they constructed a 2-lane bowling alley indoors. I wonder what they have in store at the ground level this time. Interestingly, the people whom I had seen putting together the `thing' were all Caucasians. So this must be a real foreign import gadget of sort. We'll just have to find out in a few days' time.
The ceiling floats have been around for the longest time. I thought they look really cool with the Christmas decorations this time.
4 months ago... | 5:36 PM
Saturday, November 17, 2007
eyes | 6:33 PM
anyone missing your orbs...Friday, November 16, 2007
open letter | 8:11 PM
To S4 Express 2007
I believe you had a fun graduation night!
I am sorry I could not be there. I really wish I had been.
Whether you bother or not, here's the open letter to you guys on this blog that was started to record memories with your batch. So allow me to share some thoughts about your batch I have had for the longest time since I had quit teaching full-time. Well, this may also clear some air about why I had left. I had chosen to wait til this day to spring this on you. :)
You are certainly the second most memorable batch of students I have had in SAS. I remember the first day you arrive at the Kolam Ayer CC to listen to Mrs. Charles' welcome speech, the SYF Opening Ceremony at the then National Stadium, the support some of you gave for the XBox stalls we had set up for the fund raising events (finally they are not JUST food stalls), the colourful Ziggar Zagger rehearsals and performances you put up, the inter-class T-shirt competition, the Thanksgiving sessions...I cannot remember the rest now.
Now taller and more mature, I totally cannot recall how you had looked in your shorts during lower secondary school days. So some of you now tower over me, I like the fact that there are some who still do say hi to me along the corridors when I was in school.
To those who think I had left because of politics in school - yes, I was truly unhappy about some working conditions then but well, that was then. That IS generally THE reason why people leave their jobs for others. To those of you who have been telling the lower secondary boys that it has to do with me not being the English HOD, I want to openly say now, that it is NOT true. It is a funny rumour indeed because I have told the leaders in school that I have never been interested in the leadership track from the moment I had transferred to SAS. So spread the truth for me right?
What is also true is that - some of you who know me better will know this - that I was sorely displeased when I was told I would not followup with you guys at the end of 2005 when I was promised that in 2004. Try to imagine this - having spent so much thought and energy planning and executing your programmes with the amazing student leaders who are your peers, with plans to see you guys through to graduation - only to be told the disappointing news. Well, that is how working life is like and I have been taught to submit to leadership and that I did. Nevertheless, that was one of the contributing push factors for my departure.
I was there at your graduation ceremony. It was good that some of you decided to turn up for the event despite having told me that you had wanted to skip it before that. While I was rather entertained by the Captain's speech, I was reminded that students, as with the previous years, thank only the upper secondary teachers while the lower secondary teachers are completely assigned the backseat. Some more senior teachers mentioned that boys will be boys, but I tend to think that with the Thanksgiving ceremony and numerous reminders to thank all people, this neglect was quite a disappointment. But then again, such is life.
We all change with time. What I hope is that one thing never changes - remember the good times and always be thankful to all.
Best wishes to your future endeavours - be it a JC or poly education or whether you choose to switch to another field of study. Follow your heart, ask for advice from many people and do not be tempted to take the usual safe and much trodden path - though many of you will eventualy end up doing just that! For the more courageous, go out there and blaze the unbeaten trail!
| 6:26 AM
Mr Propaganda now sees in the dark... 
He casts a doubt-ridden grin before...
shedding his cover to reveal his true identity!
Behold! Another darkness arises!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
reverse | 10:07 PM
Brandon, one of the ex-Bendemeer students, called me up and insisted on a meetup. He is one of those students I had reached out to and brought to church when I was still a full time teacher. Now a gazillion times `on' in matters pertainng to spirituality than me, I truly appreciate gestures from former students like him to make contact.At times like these, it does make me wonder how time flies and the `what could-have-been' just haunts you again. Life goes on.
arising | 12:16 AM
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
end days?? | 11:01 PM
| 6:01 PM
love generation | 7:37 AM
Bob Sinclar
One word came to mind when I watched this video on MTV channel again - free spirit. If only Singapore is that spacious with all the glorious sites and non-humid weather, I would cycle for entire days on end like the kid did. Nevertheless, it is a great song and amazing video.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
out of time | 8:28 AM
Monday, November 12, 2007
leaving | 5:05 PM
Relishing the solemn final hours at Guangzhou International Airport.
Symmetry of the exterior and interior?
Friday, November 9, 2007
brump | 8:37 AM
Came across this great tee on Casey's, an ex-student's Facebook photo album. Clever form with obviously great function in humid Singapore.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
The Sweetest Thing | 7:26 AM
U2
The wonderful feeling of being in love and/or being loved. :) Check out the cameo appearances in this song from some time ago by possibly best band in the world.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Simple Things | 11:19 PM
Amy Grant
...true love and miracles, love, forgiving, I believe in simple things...
I was walking back from my morning jog a few days back. The Autumn sun was shining and the air was cool. Listening to this song and its lyrics just sets my heart at bliss because they went with the atmosphere perfectly. I must confess that I have not felt this way for quite awhile.
VOTE - October MTV Pick | 11:35 AM
People! Vote for you Favourite MTV we have played on this blog for the month of October on the poll found on the right column. You can revisit the MTVs again by scrolling down or clicking on the archives (right)! Everyone is entitlted to multiple votes! :)
snake! | 7:55 AM
Rock Climbing in Australia? No thank you very much.This picture is from Western Australia . See the size of the snake pulling> the cow (it's not a cow it's a kangaroo) out of the water.
green daily | 7:40 AM
iPhone Named 'Invention Of The Year' | 7:37 AM
iPhone Named 'Invention Of The Year'
The device's critical shortcomings did not overshadow Time's endorsement of the touch-screen smartphone.
By Antone Gonsalves
InformationWeek
November 1, 2007 06:39 PM
Time magazine has named Apple's iPhone "invention of the year," citing is design, innovative touch screen, and potential for changing the tech industry's approach to mobile computing.
While bestowing the honor on the popular cellular phone/handheld computer, Time acknowledged the iPhone's flaws: the device's on-screen keyboard is too hard to type on, the gadget is too big for a mobile phone, there no instant messaging, it doesn't work on most people's work e-mail, and it's locked to service provider AT&T (NYSE: T).
Nevertheless, those shortcomings didn't overshadow the five elements Time listed as making the device special...
Resource :
the complete article - log in to 3rd Buzz (for tuition students only)
Google lures MySpace for social network platform | 7:21 AM
Google lures MySpace for social network platform
Thu Nov 1, 2007
MOUNTAIN VIEW, California (Reuters) - Google Inc has lured MySpace, the world's largest online social network, to its system courting independent software developers, raising its challenge to fast-growing Facebook.
Web search leader Google said on Thursday that MySpace will join its OpenSocial platform that allows developers to write programs across multiple social sites using one set of tools.
Google unveiled the system earlier this week and said it has already lured some of the biggest developers aligned with Facebook, which opened its site to outside applications in May in a move that has helped boost its user base to more than 48 million people.
Resource :
the complete article - log in to 3rd Buzz (for tuition students only)
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
where the streets have big names | 8:03 PM
This is the stretch I take to walk back to my friends' apartment. On the immediate right is where I have my daily dosage of a Chinese concoction that is supposed to help with my incessant cough.
This red Porshe is the first I have come across here. Nevertheless, you do see other big names in the car industry around. The rich are filthy rich in China.
Reading and snapping a picture while waiting for the colour to set in on my mane. There is a story behind this. I will provide updates after I return from my jog, lunch and wanderings about the streets again.eShop | 9:21 AM
Check out the cool and cute stuff on our online eShop. You may come across some of the stuff in stores in town but the prices we offer here will definitely be lower!
Wan Mei De Yi Tian | 7:01 AM
Stephanie Sun
Inspired by the palatial dens I see around and the non-humid climate flanked by the countryside especially when the sun shines in Guangzhou, the title of the song literally translates into A Perfect Day.
Monday, November 5, 2007
run#3 and beef | 10:44 AM
I decided to try out this beef noodle place on my walk back to my friends' apartment after my daily (I hope!) jog. Although I already had breakfast, I guess I should not pass this chance to try all the local food I can get my hands on. They say the food is best in Guangzhou!
My stoned look after the run along the river to the very end!
Trying my best to wring a smile... it is 9+ in the morning so give me a break!
Argh! I was so disappointed! The wafer thin slices of meat was precooked and not the half-cooked ones I had asked for! If I hold them up to the strong winds blowing outside, I'm sure they will be blown to the other end of the continent! The soup base was decent. For 5yuan a bowl, I give the beef la-mian 1/5 halos.
The charcoal or (some compressed animal faeces?) which the owners use to fire up the stove.What's That Crap?!! #1 | 7:38 AM
Can you guess what this is?
Clue : Eat at the core
Actually, whoever guesses this correct, I will consider giving you a prize from one of the many goodies (see selection at my Facebook account) I had bought from my trip - when I return of course. Post your guess at this comments link please with your real name and class/year graduated. If there are adult readers out there, feel free to join in the fun! Spread the word.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
pals | 8:14 PM
With my childhood pals at this GIVE carnival organised by the expatriates in Guangzhou. I have had one of the best days of my life here during this annual event. More about this later. I feel so worn out now that I could just fall asleep on the floor.
finally! | 7:06 AM
I was just trying my luck and hey presto! FINALLY I managed to get into the blogger site. Perhaps it is a Sunday or weekend-only policy they have here - on other days, we ban all blogs under our pseudo-democratic-but-still-really-communist regime.
Having been in Guangzhou for almost a week now, I must say my Mandarin has improved by about 10 steps. Many of you out there may share this sentiment with me : I used to think that China is backward, dirty, polluted - basically think of all derrogative adjectives and you have my perception of the land of the rising sun (eh, that would be Japan right?). I think you get my idea.
My first encounter with China was a brief one night fling/stopover at Chengdu in 2006 on my Tibet trip. Yes, albeit the rather rude locals (some only, thankfully) and their public display of oral fluids, I was totally bowled over by how modern the city was and how incredibly cheap and tasty the food was then. Guangzhou, at least where I am putting up (more about that later), is even more decent. Just like Chengdu, you see condominiums sprouting everywhere next to each other on every main and side streets. Their designs are cutting edge, if not comparable or more so than most we see in Singapore.
I am a changed man. I love China. The country has shot to the top of my Must-See List of Destinations.I will post this in case the authorities decide to block blogger to spite me again. :) But before I go, here's the link to some pictures (feel free to drop your comments) I have put up on Facebook of some of the stuff I have been up to since I was here. Yes, I got a new haircut just last night at this great saloon for peanut prices. I am probably heading back there to dye my mane before I fly home. My friends' family here told me I look more chubby than before. A step onto the weighing machine yesterday saw me breaking another barrier which is bad news. So I will have to drag my sorry ass for morning daily jogs out in the cold windy streets during this autumn weather. The ladies here are quite a pretty sight too. Lol. Later.
One | 7:01 AM
Mary J. Blige & U2
This remake of the classic hits the roof with 2 of the best artists in the music industry today. Moreover, they are artists who are advocates of cause against poverty and child abuse, global warming and many more. That's real music makers with big hearts.
