My computer crashes when it goes to sleep- or I hate Vista

I so hate Microsoft. You would think that such an august company worth billions of dollars whose main product is to build a computer operating system could in fact produce a computer operating system that works properly on at least a range of good standard machines.

Three months ago I saved up and bought a top of the range computer - the Asus VX2S Lamborghini. (Well, I didn't exactly save up- the share market went up and I sold some shares and made some money) Great parts. Great system. What else can go wrong?

Now my precious notebook has crashed and it seems the only way to get it running back up again is to use the Rescue Disk which will also wipe out all the data off my C partition which contains my folder and photos.

It was really a bad day. A very hot day. First my desktop crashed due to a memory error. Then my internet connection on the desktop went buggy. My friend Andrew came over and helped fixed both problems. Then at midnight - the Lamborghini notebook crashes. WTF???

The notebook had been having a problem for awhile already. Whenever it went to sleep- it would not wake up. The monitor screen stayed asleep. The keyboard didn't seem to work- well it may have but hey, I couldn't see bugger all. To get out of it- I had to switch off and restart.

The way around it was to disable screen saver and the power saving options. Note: Upgrading the Nvidia graphics card drivers didn't help either.

But around Christmas, I think I reenabled the screen saver. Again the same problem. The only way around it was to power it off.

Last night- I came back after doing some shopping and same problem- the stupid computer was dead asleep again and wouldn't wake up. I powerered it off and then restarted. This time however I received this error message.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Windows Error Recovery
Windows failed to start. A hardware or software change might be the cause.
If Windows files have been damaged, Startup Repair can help diagnose and fix the problem. (Use the arrow keys to highlight your choice.)

    Launch Startup Repair (recommended)
    Start Windows Normally
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Both options didn't work and lead back to the same Windows Error Recovery page.

I tried booting in safemode but have the same result.

My only option it now seems is to use the Asustek Recovery Disk- but that will wipe out the C partition where I stored my recent Christmas photos and emails which I am anxious to keep.

System Restore was (unfortunately) disabled on my computer. My fault. And that could have contributed to the problem.

But this whole thing is really ridiculous. How can a top of the range system break down so bloody easily. Its like a car manufacturer like Rolls Royce, BMW, or Lamborghini making a car that stalled the minute you hit the brakes - and having the audacity to boast that we have made an improvement over the previous model.

There was no choice- neither was I given a disk by bloody Asus that could easily repair the damage without data loss. I paid over $5000 for the damn computer- you would think they could cough up a 50 cent installation DVD.

Thank God I have friends who are computer savvy. One of them recommended that I borrow his Vista installation disk and use it to attempt a repair. (His disk was for Home- mine was for Ultimate- but it didn't matter).

I didn't know what to do- so I googled it. And came up with this solution

http://vistaultimate.windowsreinstall.com/repairstartup/repairstartup.htm

The first time it went back to the same repair page. 2nd time went thru the repair process. And the third attempt brought me to the wonderful Windows Startup Screen.

What a relief.

How to die faster- eat American Fast Food

Japanese people in Okinawa who have been eating American Fast Food - thanks to the US Army presence there - are becoming obese and dying faster.

Read the story here: Okinawa Crisis.

"In Okinawa, the generation that grew up eating American style fast food are now reaching middle age and many of them are overweight and at risk from diabetes. Almost 30 per cent of Okinawan men die before reaching 65, and nearly half of men in their forties are obese.

Food experts there put the blame squarely on the number of fast food outlets (Okinawa has more fast-food outlets per head than anywhere else in the country due to the American occupation) and many fear the “Okinawan Crisis” will spread to the rest of Japan as the younger generation abandons the traditional fish and soy products for meat and fast food."

Man I've got a cracker of a headache

I've been stuck in bed for three days now, suffering from a massive headache. I feel like I've been hit with a metal pole twenty times. Actually only once. I walked into a metal pole and struck my skull sideways. It did hurt but didn't hurt that badly. I had trouble and pain opening my jaw the week after. The side of my head did hurt a bit but didn't hurt that badly.

Four days ago, my head started pounding really badly.  I couldn't even sleep two nights ago. I had trouble walking. Its was like omigod, a piece of my skull must have fragmented and now my brain is started to bleed and I'm going to DIE!!!! ARGHHH... oh well, at least I've dived off Sipadan.

I went for a CT-Scan yesterday but the results were inconclusive. No sign of any damage or bleeding.

Taking pain killers now.

Will have another word with the doctor a week from now.

Husband carves staircase in mountain to help wife walk down

Wow. What a story. This man eloped with an older woman, a widow, and both went to live in the mountains to escape social persecution.

He builds a staircase into the side of the mountain to help his wife walk down.

Read the story here

man-carves-wife-6000-stairs into mt

Firefighters fined for putting out the wrong fire

 

Firefighters fined for shining torches on happy campers

Press Association
Wednesday October 3, 2007
Guardian Unlimited

Four firefighters have been disciplined and heavily fined for shining torches on to a group of people believed to be involved in sexual activity at a well-known beauty spot.

The firemen from Avon Fire and Rescue Service were each fined up to £1,000 after being accused of bringing the service into disrepute and misusing of fire equipment.

They are believed to have driven a fire engine to a notorious spot on the Bristol Downs late on June 27 this year.

The area is popular with people who engage in late-night outdoor sex.

The firefighters, who have not been named, allegedly shone torches into an area where people were thought to be having sex.

One man who wanted to know what the firefighters were doing on the downs at that time complained to the Terrence Higgins Trust, an Aids and HIV charity.

The complaint was passed on to Avon fire service, prompting a three-month inquiry.

The firefighters were suspended on full pay and have now been transferred to other stations.

Simon Nelson, the regional manager for the Terrence Higgins Trust in the Bristol area, said: "What we've done is to act as a third party.

"We were asked by a member of the public to question what the fire service was doing up on the downs at that time of night."

The Avon fire service condemned the action of the firefighters but confirmed that they had now returned to work.

A spokeswoman said Avon fire service does not and will not condone the actions of the individuals involved.

"Avon Fire and Rescue Service is a fair employer and a thorough investigation was carried out and disciplinary action taken."

Avon and Somerset police said it had not been made aware of the incident but anyone engaging in public outdoor sex would be breaking the law.

A spokesman said: "It is an offence to commit an act which is lewd, obscene or disgusting in a public place which is capable of outraging public decency.

"If any complaint is made in relation to such an incident, it would be investigated thoroughly and, where appropriate, action would be taken to arrest any offender."

The four firefighters must attend Avon fire service's anti-discrimination conference, which will be staged next week.

The spokeswoman said: "Recent newspaper reports have highlighted our conference which takes place next week - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equality in the Fire Service: An Absolute Taboo?

"This conference, the first for a UK fire and rescue service, has been a long time coming and has been something we have wanted to host for many years following the findings of the 1999 HM Fire Service Inspectorate report, Equality and Fairness in the Fire Service."

And remember, being gay is not about sex, esp. outdoor late-night group sex with strangers in a park.

Stuck at home on Xmas

One big problem with living in a Christian household is that you tend to have idealistic expectations. And no matter how much crap happens - you still tend to cling to them.

You expect members of your family to be kind, forgiving, loving, compassionate, rationale, like Jesus - but when they don't... things go into a loop.

I'm stuck now at home cos one of my relatives is having a dispute with another relative over a totally inconsequential matter.

Its totally stupid.

Relative A wanted to get some lunch for Relative B.

Relative B had already eaten and didn't want to have lunch and was happy.

Relative A was informed by Relative C that Relative B didn't want lunch.

Relative A felt obliged to get lunch for Relative B and got into a huff with Relative C.

Relative B then got offended that Relative A got into huff. And so is spending Xmas Eve and Xmas Day sulking.

(These are grown people. Adults, not 6 year old kids.)

Relative D begs Relative B to reconsider but Relative B tells her to get lost.

Relative D then gets upset and breaks into tears. And begs me to talk with Relative A.

Meanwhile I'm caught something in between. Call me Relative X.

I feel like saying, "Oh for Christ sake. Its f@@king Christmas, man. Chill out. Forget your differences and make up. Otherwise, renounce Christianity, wear a viking helmet, and take up a pagan god religion or something."

If we can't even behave Christ-like to our own flesh and blood - how the @#$% do you expect to be considered a true Christian?

"Treasure" found

One thing I like to do when I get into old cars (and I'm bored) is to look for coins, rings that have fallen throught the gaps in the car seats.

This person however found the "jackpot".

http://whatsthecrack.net/Magic-Bus-Project-VW-reveals-hidden-surprise-14LBS-of-cannabis

Stupid Australian Law

Read this- its absolutely sickening and stupid. What the hell is wrong with the justice system?

Stupid Australian Law

The clincher is this line:

"Despite his shocking history, the Victorian Adult Parole Board says (the convicted rapist)'s early supervised release is in the interests of the community."

(The rapist) already had a long list of convictions when sentenced in 1998 on 30 counts including six of rape, five of intentionally causing injury, four of making threats to kill and 12 of common assault.

Born unto us a child is born.AVI

Born unto us a child is born
A child is given

Handel's Messiah

An Early Christmas Present

My sister gave birth to a healthy baby today at 8am after 4 hours in labor.

My sister's new baby

My sister just gave birth to a healthy baby daughter last night. Here's a photo of my mom handling her little cutie granddaughter.

Euen and me

My cute nephew and me

My nephew Euen and me

One of the best things about coming back to Melbourne is baby sitting my totally adorable nephew. He's absolutely so cute. And he's such a bright kid. Here's a vid of us together.

Handel's Messiah St Peter's Anglican Church

I had the pleasure of attending a performance of Handel's Messiah by the Gloriana Chamber choir. It was beautiful. Really soul refreshing.

I'll post up a video of one of the songs - but beware its rather sizable in megabytes.

Funky sites in Singapore

Link

Click on the sit about as Debra goes to Haji Place and finds the place where the good and best eat out!!

Feminism and Cultural Relativity

Being political correct seems to have dulled the brains of  quite a few feminists.  Some will go to great lengths to deride  professors who make  unorthodox views on the female brain whilst ignoring blatant atrocities. Read this article by Pamela Bone.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22882381-7583,00.html

Diving at Ko Similan Thailand

Check out my pal Spencer's diving trips in Thailand! He invited me but I had flown back to Melbourne already. Argh.

Click on the photo to get there.

Stopping Telemarketer Phone Callers

My friend Andrew sent me this useful link to legally stop telemarketer phone callers here in Australia.

They are very persistent. Once I got 5 phone calls in one day from a telemarketer company trying to get me to change my phone company. The next week the same salesperson tried to sell me insurance. I recognized her voice.

So to Aussie readers - try this website.

https://www.donotcall.gov.au/

It places your phone number in the government DO NOT CALL registry - and if the telemarketers call you after that- you can report them to the authorities.

Update from Dennis the man himself

Email from Dennis!

Hey Everyone

He's back – bigger, bader and more puffy then before!!!  (Due to the normal post-Op water retention.)

Boy do I have respect for all the older guys who go through open heart surgery it was tough enough for this 44 year old.

Thanks so much for all of your thoughts and prayers.  Really saw the hand of God through out the whole ordeal.  The blockage was in such a critical place and so close to complete that a massive heart attack and death could have happened at anytime. 

I could go on about the Christian nurses and Drs praying and encouraging the surgeons doing a 12-hour overnight emergency operation and that after having worked all day!  The prompting of the Holy Spirit to have a scheduled heart stress test 10 days sooner then scheduled and all the opportunities to talk about Jesus to lots of people.  He has been very very good to me.

And now the task of recovering from the surgery I will spend the next 8 weeks in recovery mode.  We're hoping the last four weeks of recovery to be working hard on one of our last masters modules.

Thank you so much for your prayers may Jesus bless you all for your kindness   to Janice and I oh and please don't stop prayin for us ya?!?

Oh and a PS.  Don't know if Janice mentioned the good news that the Dr's have vindicated me, Yes!  The reason for the blockage was not my propensity for burgers but instead lesions in the arteries from the radiation treatment I had as a teen.    The not so bad news (but still coming to grips with)  is I still have to be extra good from now on in my eating habits.

Dennis G.

47 year old moms stalks neighbor's 13 year old daughter causing her death

This is too crazy.

A 47 year old mom created an online personality to ruin the life of a 13 year old girl who lived down the road.

The girl was once friends with her own daughter.

That selfish OC ought to get a damn good public face slapping.

Read it here.

The problem with the internet is that people are too ready to exchange insults or to say things which they would not normally would face2face. But the same insults still do hurt.

Paint on solar panels

Scientists have developed a solar panel which can be applied from a paint can.

Scientists have invented a plastic solar cell that can turn the sun's power into electrical energy, even on a cloudy day. The plastic material uses nanotechnology and contains the first solar cells able to harness the sun's invisible, infrared rays. The breakthrough has led theorists to predict that plastic solar cells could one day become five times more efficient than current solar cell technology. Like paint, the composite can be sprayed onto other materials and used as portable electricity. .

How amazing! Imagine a day when our cars and houses were totally powered by solar energy.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/01/0114_050114_solarplastic.html 

Rape victim gets 200 lashes by Court. Totally Fubar.

This story sounds too sick to be true. Read it here: Click on the transcript below.

When a teenage girl was gang raped in Saudi Arabia,a court sentenced HER to 90 lashes. After she complained,it was increased to 200. Now, the victim speaks for the first time...

She was only 19 and a new bride when it happened.

Seven men held her at knifepoint and, for a number of hours, she was subjected to a horrific gang rape.

But when she later went to the authorities, they sentenced her to 90 lashes.

She complained in the media, so the punishment was increased to 200 lashes and imprisonment.

Her lawyer has been suspended for speaking out against it.

This is certainly one reason to try and develop alternative forms of energy like solar power. The less we depend upon oil - of which the Middle East contributes 40% of the world's supply - the better.

Terrorist uses Glock... uh oh.

“Hajji Sabah, isn’t it time you stopped already?” Abu Abed al-Obeidi, a diminutive 37-year-old with a drooping moustache, tired eyes and a ready smile, said. “You have destroyed Amariyah,” he added, referring to the neighbourhood.

“Who are you?” Sabah, the Islamist emir, sneered. “We’re al-Qaeda. I’ll kill you all and raze your homes.”

“You can try,” Mr al-Obeidi said.

The emir reached for his pistol. He was faster than Mr al-Obeidi, but his Glock 9mm jammed. As he turned to run, Mr al-Obeidi emptied his pistol into his back. His assault on al-Qaeda had begun.

Dennis update 3

I've good news!  Praise God, Dennis is feeling much better today.  He could sit up, is more alert and could eat a bit more.  He even walked round the ward thrice, once with a physiotherapist's help, second time by himself and the third, assisted by Bernard, my brother-in-law.
 
Thanks everyone for your prayers and encouragement.  Dennis wouldn't have improved if it weren't for all you saints sending up incense of prayers and praise to God's throne.  Dennis wants me to convey his heartfelt thanks to you all.  He is very grateful for precious relatives and friends like you guys.

 

We were told today that Dennis may be discharged either or Sunday or Monday instead of Monday or Tuesday.
 
Dennis has requested for more prayers.
-  that the restrictions in his throat will disappear
-  that this situation will be maximized for the Lord
-  that we will glean the lessons we are supposed to learn from it.
 
Thanks again for standing with us in prayer.  We certainly appreciate your rallying around us in this testing times.
 
Blessings
 
Janice

Update Dennis 2

From Aunty Janice, Dennis' wife.

November 30th

Dennis was transferred from ICU to Cardio Thoracic Care Centre on Wed 28 Nov.  He was doing well that day but was dozing intermitently.  However, late that evening he had rapid heartbeats and then suffered nausea.  He was nauseous the whole of yesterday, which robbed him off sleep and he couldn't eat.  The doctors couldn't put a finger on what caused him to be nauseous.  So , please continue to pray for him.

 

Several of you have kindly enquired about visiting Dennis which we really appreciate.  However, the nurse in charge has recommended that he be given as much rest as possible to help him recuperate quicker.  So, if you could hold off visiting him until Sunday 2 Dec, that will really help his heart to settle down after the trauma.  Hope you understand.

 

Finally, we managed to get clearer details re the surgery from one of the registrars who was involved in it.  He said that the actual surgery began around 8:00 PM on Mon 26 Nov and took more than11 hours - they expected to be done within 4-5 hours.  There were lots of complications because of some radio therapy treatments administered on him when he had cancer of the lymph nodes and his non-stop bleeding.  He was given 14 litres of blood transfusion.  Actually, at one point the team became quite nervous because his body became cold and they were fighting for his life.  One of the registrar who had been assisting several surgeries from 7 AM on Mon finally had to call for relief around 2 AM on Tues.  Instead of one bypass or bridge, Dennis ended up having four!

 

We were told how fortunate Dennis was.  The 95% blocked artery supplies blood to to other arteries and together the carry the two-thirds weight of the heart function!  Should at any time the 5% opening closes up, Dennis would have been history!  He could have suffered a heart attack in the process of house moving.

 

It is God's grace and mercy and all your concerted prayers that Dennis is alive today.  It was the Holy Spirit who repeatedly told Dennis to go get an immediate check up while he was praying on Monday 26 morning.  Praise God for His grace and mercy and for everyone of you.

 

Blessings

 

Janice

 

Dennis status

Just heard that Dennis is recovering in the hospital after a complicated 11 hour surgery.
 
The team of specialists/surgeons could not perform his surgery until 7:00 PM that evening.  They don't normally operate after 7PM but because they are worried that Dennis' artery might closed up completely, they have decided to stay back and do the surgery

But he had a rough time  on Wednesday evening; suffering pulpitation and nausea.

Keep on praying for Dennis!!

Back again

I'm back again to Melbourne. Spent 3 days up in Brisbane to be with my relatives in their time of bereavement. It was moving to see their family gather together to honor their father/grandfather. I was especially touched by my aunt's attention to her mother. She would help her change, warm her legs with tiger balm oil. Amazing.

The grandchildren cried at the funeral. I envied them. He was very close to them. I hardly knew my grandfather; I wouldn't describe him as friendly or kind.

Great Labor ideas

Great ideas that Labor may use.

1. To help alleviate congestion in our national highways and to reduce our greenhouse emissions, the speed limit will be reduced to 30km/h.  Anyone caught breaking the limit will be fined $100 for every km exceeded. This will also help encourage people to use bicycles more often.

2. A special driving lane will be reserved for cars belonging to Union, Labor, and Green party officials.

3. Discounts on airfare will be given to people travelling to climate control forums.

everyone pray for Dennis Gillis

Dennis, one of my pastors, was admitted to the surgery room this morning 6.45am St Vincents Hospital. Open heart surgery. One of his arteries is 95% blocked.

Labor wins in Australia - Banana Republic here we come

Amazing. John Howard has not only lost his office, govt, but even his own seat. One of the best prime ministers Australia has ever lost his electorate to a sweet talking news reporter. That's like George Bush losing the Presidential election to Boy George.

Its incredible. When John Howard got into office- the Australian economy was in a terrible state. The National Deficit was running into the billions. Unemployment was close to 10%. Interest rates was over 10%, and inflation was out of control. The banks were defaulting due to bad loans. People were queing up for miles to get one crappy job. We were heading to become a banana republic and all we got was Paul Keating's bum.

Now after reducing the deficit, fixing up the economy, achieving the lowest unemployment in 33 years, this is how the voters in Australia reward John Howard - by kicking him out of office and replacing him for an amiable TV reporter. Outstanding eh?

Labor being what it is- will end up screwing up the economy and ruining society with bad social justice laws. They can't help themselves- they're socialists. Big hearts. Small brains. Their track record in managing anything has been totally dismal.

Oh, Australia will run ok for a few years. The new PM, Kevin Rudd, inherited a huge surplus from Howard- so it will take him at least a year to spend that. But after that... Labor will just use their same old tactics of raising tarriffs, increasing taxes, and tear the country apart.

Its happened before and it will happen again and again. (lol to BSG fans)

My Brilliant Brain : Born Genius

Just watched an amazing documentary on childhood brain development. They studied how the formative years of a child from 3 months to 7 years is absolutely crucial to their brain development. Children that received special schooling were able to learn language faster, speak more coherently, and able to perform much better at school and later in getting good jobs.

There was also a very sad story about an abused child who was kept locked up by her crazy parents until their crime was found out when she was 8 or 9 years old. Because they did not speak to her, treating her worse than an animal, she initially had the mental capacity of a baby. A childhood psychologist tried to teach her and found her very intelligent. However, perhaps because her horrendous neglect - she was unable to recover. Placed into several foster homes, including one which sexually abused her, she is now placed into a "home".

Celtic Woman Songs

Celtic Woman is a musical group comprised of several Irish female musicians. Awesome voices and musical playing. They sing songs from Enya, traditional Irish folk music, classical hymns, and movie soundtracks, notable are the songs from the Lord of the Rings and The Mission.

Check their albums out. I'll post some of their songs on this blog when I have the time.

In the meantime, you can check out one of their performances here on youtube.

QUICK STEP ON IT!!!

I found this stick insect in my backyard yesterday. Looks cool eh? It was about 30cm long. I guess it must have been staying under the roof to avoid the heat. It got to 36C yesterday.

On other news, scientist have discovered a man size scorpion size claw embeded in rocks. It seems that giant size spiders and scorpions roamed the earth in the past. The next time some greenie starts whining about the wonderful life our ancestors once lived - give him a quick kick in the bollocks and step on his head.

Click here for more details: OMG GODZILLA SCORPION


(update: photo added)

VW Day Show

Start:	Nov 25, '07 08:00a
Location:	Cranbourne Racecourse, Victoria, Australia

The VW Club of Victoria is having its annual show day at the Cranbourne Racecourse this Sunday. Plenty of classic VW will be on display including the fabulously pretty Karman Ghias, Porshe 356s and hopefully a Porsche 550 spyder. The earlier Porsches all trace their lineage to VW which was run by the Porsche family at the beginning.

Useful Exercise and Diet Advice

I was having a lot of trouble working out at the gym in the later afternoon/evenings. Really felt dog tired and lightheaded.

I think I know why. Not enough rest. Too much stress. And not eating the right food.

I wasn't eating crap. But I think my problem was not eating a more balanced diet - like brown rice, mince meat, more vegetables like carrots, etc.. I usually had a heavy lunch at 1pm - and nothing else until 5pm. Eating a small meal prior to the workout might have been more helpful.

I found this advice sheet from the American Council on Exercise. It makes a lot of sense - read it.

DO YOU HAVE TROUBLE exercising at noon or after work even though you’re truly committed to exercise and it’s the only time you have to work out? Do you feel so exhausted that you just can’t face the gym? Your diet—rather than simple sloth—may be the problem. If you tend to skip meals in an attempt to save calories, you may be robbing yourself of important fuel for your workout.

While skipping meals may temporarily make your stomach feel flatter, doing so can also leave you feeling tired, irritable and unfocused. Then, you’ll be tempted to forego your noontime workout, or go home, eat and stretch out on the couch in front of the TV after work.

If, however, you follow some simple, sensible dietary practices throughout your day, you’ll get that workout done. And rather than feeling lightheaded and exhausted afterward, you’ll be energized and refreshed.

Stay with Feel-good
One key to staying motivated to exercise is to keep the amount of sugar in your blood—and thus, your energy level—stable to prevent ups and downs. You can best do that by eating a series of small meals throughout the day—as many as five or six—that are composed of complex carbohydrates, such as whole grain breads, beans and other vegetables, whole grain crackers and fruit. If you plan ahead and make time for grocery shopping, you can easily pack some simple meals and snacks to take to work with you.

Eating complex carbohydrates helps keep your blood sugar stable because they are digested and absorbed slowly into the blood and don’t require your pancreas to produce much insulin. Refined carbohydrates, such as potato chips, doughnuts and cookies, are absorbed very quickly and trigger the pancreas to produce produce large amounts of insulin. So, while they may give you an initial boost, your energy will drop off quickly, and your mood will  follow.

The amount of sugar in your blood is also related to the amount of serotonin in your brain. Its an important chemical (called a neurotransmitter) that helps to regulate mood. If your level of serotonin is where it should be, you’ll have a sense of well-being and confidence—and feel ready to tackle the treadmill. Should it drop, you may feel tired and depressed. If you often experience a craving for carbs, this may be your brain’s way of telling you it needs more serotonin.

Cut the Caffeine
What about caffeine? Good question. Many athletes rely on caffeine for the initial kick it can provide. Remember, though, that caffeine can also affect the amount of insulin, and thus, sugar, in your blood. Further, it can cause dehydration, which can also sap your energy. While drinking a caffeinated beverage may help get you to the gym, within an hour you may feel tired and too lightheaded to complete your workout, or to do it well.

If you plan to engage in running or other highly vigorous activity, remember that some forms of caffeine, coffee in particular, can lead to mild gastronomical distress, as can some bulky foods. So, you’d be wise to limit the amount of coffee, tea and soda that you drink for a number of reasons.

Suppose you’re an early bird, and your best time to work out is in the morning before you go to work. For quick energy, drink some juice upon rising and avoid coffee. Once you’ve completed your workout, have a more solid breakfast of whole-wheat cereal or toast and fruit to fuel your concentration for the morning’s work. If you work out and eat too lightly, chances are you’ll get “the drowsies” by 2 p.m., if not sooner.

Keep in mind that finding the right combination of food and drink to energize your workout— whatever time of day you choose—may take some experimenting. It all depends upon your individual tastes and your metabolism. With a little patience, an open mind and a little creativity, you’ll determine which foods suit you best.

My car to the market

A real terrible day on the markets. A whole bloody sea of red. Really wished I had sold the whole lot prior to coming back to Australia. I feel like a total moron. Everyone now reckons that the US economy is headed for a recession thanks to the subprime loan crisis. I really let the ball down on this one. Got too complacent. What the hell am I doing?

On other parts, I restarted my old vintage VW Beetle tonight. It hasn't been run for over 12 months, I got it going after the 11th turn of the key. Naturally it was a little sluggish and felt very tight - but it drove no problem.

Its still noisy - I really regretted fitting in a racing engine into the car. Its a 1641cc engine with racing components and torpedoed a big hole in my wallet.

A slightly modded 1200cc engine would have more than suffice.

But no, I got sucked in by all the beautiful show cars featured in the VW magazines - and I dreamt that I would get my car to look ubercool. So I lowered the car, installed anti-sway bars, new wheels...

One big problem is that none of my friends (including me) are mechanically competent or overtly enthusiastic over car repair and restoration. So each problem usually has to be dealt by a mechanic - I must have spent over $20,000 on the car.

I did try and fix it up myself- but its really beyond me. I guess eventually I would have been more mechanically competent but without a good teacher, I would have taken decades if ever to get the hang of repairing the car.

Its a "romantic" idea tho. (I mean romantic in the idealistic  sense not eros). But like all crazy dreams its got to come to an end. So I'm pulling the plug and saying good bye to this. 

I guess I can still carry on the restoration on the car- it just needs a bit of rust repair, new gromits,  a good respray, and re-upholester of the interior and a new muffler. That would probably set me back another $5,000 if not 10. That was the plan.

But I've lost interest in it. If I do proceed with the restoration, I'm just going to end up with an old car that is still not as quick or safe as a modern car - and needs a fair bit of fiddling.

Time to move on.

Today's message by Charles R. Swindoll

I'm clearing my records and I found this daily message book- it was opened to this message:

"If you're wrong in what you're doing, stop. No rationalization will make it right. It will only confuse the issue. The main thing is that you please the Lord with a clear conscience."

How appropriate.

Elizabeth the Golden Age

Rating:	★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Drama

In short, Cate trying her best to be like Helen Mirren. Golden Age is a dismal film. Plenty of fluff that should have been edited out- a lot of ridiculous iconic moments - like the swirly panoramic views of Blanchett just standing looking idiotic. Its all the fault of the director. He ought to be forced to watch the 2005 superb HBO/BBC tv production with Helen Miriam as Elizabeth I one thousand times. The latter had witty lines, a tighter script and was a whole lot more enjoyable to watch. EGA just fell apart esp in the middle part - a lot of scenes just looked totally raw and straight plonked out of the storyboard. Anyhow, don't bother watching Golden Age - I instead highly recommend you "HBO's Elizabeth I". http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0465326/

Sipadan Dive Trip - Mabul

Start:	Dec 10, '07 06:00a
End:	Dec 17, '07
Location:	Sipadan, Borneo

Marcus et al has organized a dive trip up to Sipadan - one of the top premiere dive spots in Asia - in December. Staying at Mabul resort. 18 boat dives (12 @ Sipadan), 6 full days diving, appx S$1.1k (AUD$800) all in (excld gear). Airfare will probably cost about S$250 flying from Johor tho.

dec 10 depart
dec 11-16: dive (3daily dives x 6days = 18dives)
dec 17 return

total cost 1.1k (in excess, extra will be refunded). price is for EVERYTHING except gear. No need to pay for anything secondary (food/main land stay/transport all covered)

Accommodation is on Mabul island. but the most most most mostmost mosst rustic of accommodations called Billabong Scuba (like kelong).

Maldives LoB Dive Trip

I've been invited for a dive trip up to Maldives in May/June... hmm... now how can I say no to that?

Since I'm stuck here in Australia until March at least, I'm already going to miss out on the big dive trips in Dec/Jan.

So yeah, with a big grin, on my face, I'm signing up for it!

It should be absolutely fantastic. You haven't really lived until you go diving in clear clean blue sea waters and swim with the great fishes.

Food in Australia

Man, people in Australia are really fat. I mean really fat. Its easy to just pig out and eat fatty food. You might as well be drinking lard. Fried chips, fried chicken, Mackays (MacDonalds), Pizza, Fried Fish, Cheese, Wine, Bread and Butter, Biscuits, and the cream pastas... oh man... I'm back to my bad old ways again.

Eating fatty food is ok every now and then. Its no point being a fanatic. But when fatty food is a stable diet - that's really horrible.

Despite living in a land filled to the brim with fresh food - there are so few outlets selling the stuff at affordable prices. A sandwich here sets you back $10 at least. You've just to DIY everything here.

Speaking of fat people, I need to go for a good run. Haven't exercised a single bit since I've arrived. Gardening, mowing, doesn't really count.

I'm going to wake up tomorrow and go for that Ruffey Park run. Well, just half way. Its 10km in total. And way too difficult to attempt in my current condition. lol.

Australia needs more foreign workers

As I flew into Australia, I was just overwhelmed by the vastness of the land. A lot of people, esp. Singaporeans, can't get over the sheer size of the place- they reckon that a trip from Brisbane to Cairns is about an hour by car, or the distance between Perth and Melbourne is similar to Changi and Jurong. LOL. Its a continent for crying out loud. Its take 3 days to get from Melbourne to Perth by train.

Australia needs a lot of infrastructure development. Roads, dams, bridges, canals, electric cabling...

There are parts of this land which are dying due to the lack of water- yet there are other parts which are flooded. The country needs a system of dams, canals, reservoirs, and pipes.

The problem is that the cost of labor here is - relatively speaking- very expensive, and that hampers development here.

Here's an idea for my Aussie friends- it'd be great if your govt could allow companies to bring in temporary foreign workers (from India, Korea, China) into Aus to build the great infrastructure projects - who are happy to be working at a fraction of the cost. Its a win-win situation.

In Singapore even the Aussie construction companies here are employing cheap foreign labor to do the job.

Such a task is of course mammoth and would take decades to complete. But hey, rather than spending the money on useless stuff like the Melbourne Arts festival and dubious social welfare ventures - why not pour the money into the country. It will provide a valuable resource for generations.

But does Australia have the will power and vision to do it?

Bible verse for today.

This was my morning bible devotion for today. I went like... huh??? Now who says God doesn't have a sense of humor?

Song of Solomon 5 (King James Version)

King James Version (KJV)

Song of Solomon 5

 1I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.

 2I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.

 3I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them?

 4My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him.

 5I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped with myrrh, and my fingers with sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock.

 6I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.

(Sounds as if he could have done with some viagra. lol)

Wandering in the Wilderness

Sometimes you just might need to spend sometime in the wilderness, wandering around, doing dead boring stuff, and wondering what the hell happened. Case in point: Moses. Read about him in the Book of Exodus in the Bible or you can pick up the video(s); lol. He spend roughly 40 years living the life of a Prince in the Court of Egypt - the absolute lifestyle of luxury, then after killing a bully, he was forced to run off into the desert to spend the next 40 years of his life living as a shepherd. That's a bit like Bill Gates losing it all and ending up as a clerk.

It was at that point, when Moses had given up all hope of power and glory, that God called him to be the Leader for his people.

It does seem strange why God waited so long to call Moses. Why not at 20? or 40? when Moses was in Pharaoh's court. Why not at 50? or 60? when Moses probably harbored a deep desire to go back to Pharaoh and kick his arse? Why at 80? When Moses was old and decrepit?

But that's the thing. Moses wasn't ready until that moment. He just needed to spend time in the wilderness, doing seemingly mundane things, letting go of his worldly desires.

Maybe if God had called Moses before when he was still in Pharaoh's court, Moses may have simply staged a court revolt, and usurped Pharaoh's throne, and ignored the call to lead God's people into the Promise Land.

Drat its 4.40am now...

Unless the Lord builds the house...

I'm just going through the accounts over here and I've found something quite amazing - an old letter - dated 2003- from one of my companies asking me to purchase their shares at 3.5 cents. I usually throw away these things but there it was- at the back of my drawer.

A long time ago I invested in this gold mining company here in Australia. The mine closed and the company practically drifted down to zero. Then from 2001 - 2003, as the price of gold started rising, the company started issuing more shares from 2001 - 2003 at between 1 - 4 cents. I just shelved all their request for more money; I gave up all hope on the b@stards.

Now the company- Alliance Gold - is worth nearly $2.00 a share. It even managed to hit a high of $3 awhile back.

That's a real kicker.

I've been pondering a fair bit lately. In all honesty, the share trading was total shit-hause. I've lost a huge amount of cash over the last ten years and its really depressing. Sure I had some spectacular wins but they were eclipsed by huge trading losses- most of which were totally avoidable in hindsight.

This might sound strange to some people. But I think God has been withholding His blessing on my trading. As the bible verse goes- "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain." These last ten years, I've been backsliding really. My heart hasn't been 100% for the Lord. I've allowed myself to fall into temptation. Course, I didn't murder, commit violence or do any "terrible" sins... but sin in casual ways. But anyhow, I felt God's calling me back all these years.

As Christians our bodies are supposed to be a living temple for God - a place for prayer. But for myself I've allowed it to become polluted.

So help me God to make my body a holy temple for your Spirit.

Its very hard. And I've formed a lot of bad habits. But by His grace and strength, He will enable me to overcome.

(Update: This is bizarre. But just after I completed this prayer - the kitchen clock started working again after over 5 - 8 years of total inactivity. And I found my favourite pair of leather gloves which I had given up for loss years ago.)

Songs from the heart

Start:	Nov 9, '07 8:00p
End:	Nov 11, '07

Songs by women and for women from medieval France presented by medieval music group, Troveresse

Songs from the heart presents a story in words and music of the lives and loves of medieval women.
Troveresse group:
Helen Dell (dir.): voice, portative organ;
Alex Connelly: voice, recorders;
Ann McCarthy and Anna Plotka: voice;
Karen Huckle: harp;
with guest artist Alistair Lord: percussion.

Date: 9-11th November 2007
Time: Friday 8pm, Saturday 8pm, Sunday 3pm
Venue: Gryphon Gallery, 1888 Building, Melbourne University, Grattan St. Carlton.

$25 full, $15 concession/group (6 or more).
http://home.vicnet.net.au/~emsv/whatson.html

Maldives Live on Board (LOB) Scuba Dive Trip

Start:	May 24, '08 09:00a
End:	Jun 4, '08

Marcus Royce has organized a 9 day dive trip to the Maldives on the MV Eagle Ray dive ship. It will probably cost about $2300 + $1000 (airfare).

Seems quite interesting. The trip is to coincide with the plankton chase by all the big fish: whale sharks, manta rays, pilot whales, etc..

24th May: 2035H SQ flight to Maldives.
Upon arrival stay at Candies hotel for the night

25th May: Check in to MV Eagle Ray.
Tour introduction & Formalities & Dive Gear Set up
• Maa Giri (North Male’ Atoll) Check-out Dive
• Kuda Giri (South Male’)
• Biya Giri (South Male’)
Over night at Guradhoo (Village)

26th May
• Guradhhu Channel (South Male’)
• Miyaru Kandu (Felidhe Atoll)
• Golden Wall (Felidhe Atoll)
Over night at Fotheyo (Sand Bank)

27th May
• Cherry Caves (Felidhe Atoll)
• Fushi Kandu (Felidhe Atoll)
• Golden Wall (Felidhe Atoll)
Over night at Felidhu (Fishing Village)

28th May
• Matha Kandu (Felidhe Atoll)
• Boli Rock (Felidhe Atoll)
4 hours channel crossing to South Ari Atoll
• Kuda Rah tila (South Ari)
Over night at Dhangethi (developed village)

29th May
• Don Tila (South Ari atoll)
• Didhu Goni (South Ari atoll)
• Rangali Manta Point (West Ari)
Over night at kuda Digga (deserted island)

30th May
• Kala Handi (West Ari)
• Hemandhoo Tila (West Ari)
• Malos Tila (West Ari)
Over night at Ranfaru (Reef ring)

31st May
• Malos Tila (West Ari)
• Fesdhu Wreck (Mid Ari)
• Fish Head (Mid Ari)
Over night at Faana Mudu (Reef ring)

1st June
• Fish Head (Mid Ari)
• Maya Tila (North Ari)
• Rashdhoo Channel
Over night at Rasdoo Ring

2nd June
• Rashoo Channel (Rashdhoo Atoll)
4hrs channel crossing back to north Male’ Atoll
• Lion head (North Male’ Atoll)
• Last dive by 1700H for 24h de-gassing period.
Over night at Merina

3rd June
After breakfast pack dive gear & luggage
2315H local time flight back to Singapore

4th June
Arrival Singapore at 0700H

(update: total cost is over S$3000.)

Dear God...

Whilst I was busy cleaning up after the dead magpie and other stuff- I was unable to check my portfolio. Missed out on a good opportunity to sell on some shares and now they are back down to the original price I bought them at; some much lower.

The good news is that I'm sleeping much better. And the admin work here is keeping me busy.

The bad news is I've received several invites to go scuba diving in Sipadan, Maldives, Ko Similan - in Dec/Jan. And I can't go cos I'm here in Melbourne! Well... I guess I can go... but it feels kinna sinful to spend the money on the air ticket to fly back just for a week of diving. If I made more money on the share market- that would be a different story).

Boy did I botch up the last two months of trading. I ought to hang a "L" plate on my head when I go see my share broker.

mmm.... dear God please make up shares rise up in price! So that I can go scuba diving!!!! Please!!!! Pretty please!!

Back again

Just got back from Brissie. Spent a bit of time with my granduncle, grandaunt, their children and grandkids - whom I got along quite well... I think if I spent more time with them I'd end up talking like a 10 year old. Oh boy.

It was very sad to see Granduncle in such a terrible state, just skin, muscle and bones. He has stomach cancer and just can't eat bugger all- just two eggs a day and about a glass of water. Grandaunt was also sickly, shuffling slowly. Its very sad. Both are in their 80s...

I don't want to go down that way. Maybe this whole idea of eating healthy and living longer is overrated.

Brisbane

I'm off to Brisbane for a quick visit to a dying relative. My grand uncle (mother's side) is very old and sick and has refused all food and water. I don't want to go. As harsh as it sounds, but I really don't feel like it. There's a mountain of work for me to do here - and I don't want to go visiting old dying relatives. BUT. It is an important occasion and feelings aside, honor and duty calls.

The air ticket though ain't cheap. Its gonna cost nearly $700 for this return trip. But its a sudden thing and no planning was involved. Besides its an important to pay one's respects to the living.

I have to admit harboring a idea to go scuba diving when I'm up north. But it seems entirely inappropriate. Slap!!!!

Friday night Straits Cafe

Lol. Despite spending over a year in Singapore, I couldn't resist heading with my friends - Tav and Elena - to Straits Cafe (opposite Westfield Shoppingtown) and partaking of their fantastic Penang Har Mee and char kwey taui. Man, both dishes taste soooo great.

(Sorry no camera shots- I don't know how to take photos of food dishes.)

Came back and watched "Into the Blue" starring Jessica Alba and Paul Walker. This is a great film if you're into scuba diving. Those 2 metre sharks aren't CGI. There's this amazing shot of Jessica swimming with the sharks and catching the tail of one of them. Is that amazing or wot!!! I tried grabbing a screen shot of her- but can't seem to do that yet.

Tomorrow I'm off to St Andrews Market to get some wood fired baked bread and to chill out with my female friend, Carol... hopefully she's free.

(update: she has the flu so I'm off to the zoo instead with my lovable 4 year old nephew)

St. Marks Fitzroy Christmas Choir Concert

Start:	Dec 2, '07 2:15p
Location:	Fitzroy, Melbourne

The music director of St Marks Church happens to be one of the best. He really knows how to produce great music. I heard them in 2003 and was totally awestruck by the pure beauty. Really awesome stuff.

Melbourne Part 2

Its been over 4 nights since I've returned. Cleaned up the awful magpie mess pretty well- praise God. Robert - my trusty steam cleaner from my landlord days - came over yesterday and cleaned up the mess on the carpets beautifully. Highly recommended if you ever need a super man steam cleaner here in Melbourne.

Mum's feather down quilt was picked up and cleaned today by Superior Quilts - spotless! I did try cleaning it by myself but couldn't do it.

Next step is to do the garden- which is overgrown with weeds. I pray that my Hungarian gardener will show up tomorrow. The guy is really good but has gone AWOL for over 3 years. I'll probably do it together with another gardener. The trees and hedges could all do with a good trim too.

I'll post up more photos soon. But at the moment, I'm handicapped because one of my relatives used up my internet usage whilst I was away. So I'm down to 8kbs.

I'm off to see a book-keeper tomorrow to do my accounts here. God didn't bless me with the ability to keep records... and rather than fight a losing battle, I'd rather admit defeat and hand over the job to someone else who can do it much better and infinitely faster than I can.

Sometimes in life- that's the way. Know your limits and respect them.

Back again in Melbourne

Back again in Melbourne. And not a day too soon. I found that an adult Magpie - similar to the big Ravens we have in Singapore - found its way into the house. From the sooty debris, it looks like it got in through the chimney. It tried to get out - but got stuck in the rooms. It crapped all over the place so badly that it looks like a shitty paint job. Think Resident Evil.

I was so worried that it died in the clothes cupboard- but I eventually found the body underneath the bedside table. GROSS. The whole place stank like a Russian public toilet.

I'll post a photo of the dead bird once my internet connection gets back ok. One of my friends came over and used it up- so I'm capped to 6kb/s. Bloody great.

Now I wish I could get a shotgun and blast at the blasted Magpies that are camped outside the house. Jeremy please help.

Sunshine

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Science Fiction & Fantasy

I liked this movie. It had great atmosphere pardon the pun. Its basically about a 2nd group of astronauts who are sent to revive the Sun which is dying. The 1st group disappeared and noone knows what the hell happened to them. As the reach Mercury, the astronauts find a distress beacon- its the 1st group. Should they rescue them?

The whole atmosphere, the props, the dialogue. It had that Space Odyssey 2001 feel to it. I felt like they hired a mega space station as the stage. Pretty awesome.

And the music... yeah. The music had a marvelous space like techno serenity to it.

Pulau Aur October 22nd

Wendy and Bernadette, Pulau Aur, November 2007

Went for another quick diving trip. This one at Pulau Aur, the big island opposite Dayang. Its the end of the scuba diving season and it really showed. Rough waves caused the trip to go roller coaster. It didn't help that our diving boat was not fully adapted for scuba divers - more for fisherman.

Unfortunately, we didn't get to see the main attraction: whale sharks.

I put up more photos on my group's dedicated scuba site:

http://sipadive.multiply.com/photos/album/8

Pulau Aur 21st October

Just came back from Pulau Aur, the big island next to Dayang. Stayed at the Atlantis resort.

Unfortunately, the waves were rough - I think the waves were about 2m. This made getting in and out of the jetty transfer boat and the dive/fishing boat - an interesting experience. Pulau Aur doesn't have a jetty like Dayang so we had to use a jetty boat.

I posted most of the photos here on the dive site:

http://sipadive.multiply.com/photos/album/8/Pulau_Aur_

I'll also post some of the better ones here.

Due to the damage to the big transport boat- we got to use a big speed boat to get from Mercing to Aur. It only took 2 hours not the usual 4.

Flying back to Melbourne

Start:

Oct 28, '07 07:00a

Back to Melbourne again on the morning flight. Look forward to spending sometime with my nephew and of course, to rekindle old friendships.

Omega Watch 50th Ann. Evening Cocktail

Start:

Oct 26, '07 8:00p

Ngee Ann City, Civic Plaza 8pm. Friday...

Omega is celebrating its 50th anniversary of its Speedmaster watch.

I got invited... My gym is at 6 - so that should give me enough time to go home change and come back. Tiresome, lets hope the party is worth it.

Dive Trip Back on again

I got a call from the organizer. It seems that another boat has been hired - so the scuba dive trip to Pulau Au is back on again.

lol... and just when I was contemplating spending the weekend in bed.

(update: 6.30pm... ok, all packed and ready to go. Carrying quite a bit of stuff with me - like the camera+mp3 player+sun glasses+snacks... which makes me slightly anxious unnecessarily)

I've been feeling anxiety and can't seem to shut down...

Is it worthwhile diving in Similan in late April?

Hi to all the divers who read my blog!!!

Someone just invited me for a dive trip - liveonboard - to Ko Similan in late April for 5 days. 4 days dive. The boat is the Wicked Witch... lol, couldn't they have chosen another name?

But I heard that its past the "due date" for the diving season - and the visibility will be not as great as January, maybe even turbulent.

The cost is quite reasonable tho - $750 - excluding the air ticket and other minor expenses.

Whale Sharks

One day more and I'm off for another scuba diving trip. This time at the Atlantis Resort on Pulau Au - the isle next to Dayang.

Can't wait to go. My brain is totally fried. I can't think or focus. When I work out at the gym, I feel like passing out. I feel like there's not enough blood going into my brain. Sometimes I get so pale, my instructor is so worried that I'll faint. WTF is wrong?

Anyhow, two more weeks and I'm back in Melbourne. Can't wait to go too. I need a change of environment.

BTW, the photo of the whale shark is by "lovells19", a senior member of the ClubSnap forum.

Burma Coast Dive WhiteManta Liveonboard Dec 12 - 16

Start:	Dec 12, '07 07:00a
End:	Dec 16, '07

My Divemaster - Marcus R. Lee - on the Dayang Trip is organizing a dive trip to the coast of Burma. Check out the details.

-----------------------------------------------------------
Hi Friends,

Here are the details for the December dive trip 2007.

As usual we split the costs evenly, this is not a profit making trip. The trip is costly, but relatively a lot cheaper than going on your own in future.

Location: Myanmar.
Date: LOB Dec 12 - 16 (fly out 17 till whenever)
Duration: 4D/4N
LOB: Whitemanta
Pax: 14-17
Cost: (depends on no., but generally appx 850sgd) - usual price is 800usd++
Visa: 150usd (appx 225sgd)
Airfare: We still fly into Phuket (hence can R&R etc.) appx 140sgd
R&R costs: up to you. appx 100sgd
Gear Rental: up to you.

So here you go. The total is appx 1.3-1.5 depending on your airlines/gear rental/shopping and other variables.

Exotic location, proudly pristine, boasts of sharks, and whatsoever. Havent been there, havent a clue. No implications for the political upheaval at the moment. We will fly into Phuket, and sail there to Burman waters. Space is less than last year at similans and kuantanwreck, so if youre keen do reply quick. Also because this is being planned late, airfare prices will go up soon, AND the boat charter wont be available to us for long. So we need to confirm soon.

Please reply interest and ability to commit.
First come first serve naturally if there is a demand.

Feel free to fwd questions to Daniel or myself.

Cheers,
Marcus
marcusroyce@hotmail.com

(UPDATE 20th October: THE TRIP GOT CANNED)

Dayang Oct07

I love this photo best of all the hundreds of photos I took. I think thats my dive master Marcus.

Pulau Dayang is a small island located on the east coast of the Malaya Peninsula. It takes about 4 hours by boat to get there from the old port of Mercing.

http://dayangisland.com/gettinghere/index.htm

Pure White, soft sandy beaches. Beautiful blue waters.

Diving season is from April - September.

(But due to global warming or whatever - the monsoon season is delayed this year- allowing us to dive this month)

I was hoping to bump into a Whale Shark - as they have been reported to have been sighted in this area. But unfortunately, no.

This is the first time I have ever dived with a camera- so the results are so - so. I had problem keeping the cam steady due to the current. And I didn't know how to adjust the ISO and other details. Any constructive criticism would be welcomed. My technique was point and shoot whatever looked good. :)

The camera I used was the Fuji FD F31 with the Fuji underwater case. No strobes or other attachments used. The F31 is suppose to be one of the best scuba diving cameras. You of course need to get the underwater case - the Fuji WP=FXF30.
If you are thinking of buying the F31 - better do so quickly, Fuji has stopped making them - and the successors (F50) aren't as good.

Dayang Dive Trip

Just came back from the Dayang dive trip. The waters were very smooth - even the usual places like the "Whirlpool" was relatively placid. Its suppose to be the monsoon season now - but there was no wind and little rain.

I was trialling my new Fuji F-31 camera which I had just bought from the store in the previous day. I was petrified that I would lose it or damage it on its maiden trip. But I followed the instructions to the letter, made sure it was alays kept safely secured, and all went well. You can see the photos in my photo section.

Overall, it was relatively to me- boring. Once u dive at Sipadan- you're quite spoiled. I did find something fascinating tho - I found an egg like object on the 1st dive - it was pure white and had a beautiful fern leaf pattern design on it. But when I swam away with it the pressure crumbled it into a million pieces in my hand. Apart from that not much else interesting - to me. I was hoping to see a whale shark but nada.

Thankfully, the bus driver used the Tuas link to get to and from Malaysia- going through immigrations on both sides was a breeze compared to the main Johor crossway which is utterly horrendous to say the least.

TGIF

Thank God its Friday. I need a holiday. I have trouble getting a good night sleep. I feel dog tired when I step into the gym. My trainer is worried I'm going collapse when I work out. I can't seem to focus on my job.

I need a good break. And this Dayang trip won't cut it.

Anyhow better than nothing.

I have to go now to Tampines to pick up the camera + scuba housing than off to TP MRT for the loong coach ride.

Now wouldn't it be nice to go on board something like this ship

Anyways... cya guys later.

Hope I get to see a whale shark- and I certainly hope the other companions on this trip are pleasing to the eye and ear.

But most likely it will be this dour lot. LOL.

Hooray!!

Great I'm off to Dayang this weekend for scuba diving. Wish we could stay for more than 1 bloody night. But one of the divers says he has to be home by Sunday.

Frankly why? Why not just take Monday off? The damn journey is going to be about 14 bloody hours there and back. And if we plan to leave on Friday and come back by Sunday night- it will only give us less than 24 hours there. So max 5 dives only.

Coming back on Sunday means we have to run through the immigration hellhole in Johor at peakhour. Its like walking into hell.  The whole place is jammed packed with people returning to Spore from Johor. You're forced to wade into a small busy laneway used by the motorcyclists. Arghh. Meanwhile, you stand a good chance of getting pickpocketed or stabbed for your wallet and watch.

What a totally fubar way to run an immigration checkpoint.

Hopefully I'll be bringing along my new Fuji f31 diving camera that everyone has been raving about. And really cross my fingers hopeful - we'll get to see a whale shark.

Family caught with illegal arms and drugs cache demand compensation

This story is ridiculous. This immigrant family to Australia got public housing benefits - and were so poor that the govt gave them more financial aid. The husband disappears back to Lebanon - and the police raid the home to find:

Two fully automatic rifles.

* Two semi-automatic rifles.

* A MAC-10 fully automatic pistol.

* A Browning pistol.

* A Smith & Wesson revolver.

* About 5000 rounds of ammunition and ammunition magazines.

* Two boxes of Glock pistols.

* Small resealable plastic bags containing drugs.

* Electronic scales.

* Solvent generally used to destroy forensic evidence, such as fingerprints.

* A fully automatic bill counter.

* 1.64 kilograms of what was believed to be amphetamines.

What was the family trying to do: create a Walmart for Gangsters?

The family got evicted. And yes, they want compensation.

Read the rest of the mad story here: Family wants their guns and drugs back

Frankly they should be deported back to Lebanon. Australia sure has a weird sense of justice. In Singapore, they hang criminals who use guns. In Australia they spend millions of dollars in legal aid (which is not available to most law abiding citizens) to help them escape justice. Meanwhile, the Justice system denys home owners the use of weapons to defend their families and property. I remember one judge or top cop say that they ought to cooperate with the crims to avoid bloodshed. Which is sick if some sick sicko wants to rape u. If the law abiding citizens do attempt to protect themselves, the stupid law system prosecutes them. Bloody stupid system. Who made it anyway? Convicts?

Check it out!!

Awesome photos by Coalfox. Check out her site. Now that's some great photos!!!

Click on the nudibranch photo to see her site.

Bora Bora: Most Beautiful Pacific Island

Its reputed to be one of the most beautiful pacific islands in the world.

Check out the full photos here

http://www.imagestation.com/album/review.html?id=2087119443

Good Scuba Diving Camera and shop

Hi scuba friends,

u know who u are. just need to ask a quick question. I'm thinking of getting an underwater camera - digital of course. I've been recommended the Fuji F50. It takes great photos underwater in poor light.

Click here for the review of the Fuji F50

What do you reckon? I just want something small and compact to begin with.

As for buying it - I'll probably go to MScolor in Ang Mo Kio. I heard that they are honest and know what they talking about and give good service - but that's heresay. Anyone want to share their experiences?

Bora2 by Aaron

I didn't take these photos- but I wished I did. Check out Aaron's photos here:
http://www.imagestation.com/album/review.html?id=2087119443

Bora Bora is reputed to be one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Clear blue waters, tranquil seas, magnificent sunsets, and superb diving sites. I have to go there one day!!!

Anyhow click on the link and check out Aaron's impressive photos.

Good Scuba Diving Camera and shop

Hi scuba friends,

u know who u are. just need to ask a quick question. I'm thinking of getting an underwater camera - digital of course. I've been recommended the Fuji F50. It takes great photos underwater in poor light.

Click here for the review of the Fuji F50

What do you reckon? I just want something small and compact to begin with.

As for buying it - I'll probably go to MScolor in Ang Mo Kio. I heard that they are honest and know what they talking about and give good service - but that's heresay. Anyone want to share their experiences?

Bora Bora: Most Beautiful Pacific Island

Its reputed to be one of the most beautiful pacific islands in the world.

Check out the full photos here

http://www.imagestation.com/album/review.html?id=2087119443

Good Scuba Diving Camera and shop

Hi scuba friends,

u know who u are. just need to ask a quick question. I'm thinking of getting an underwater camera - digital of course. I've been recommended the Fuji F50. It takes great photos underwater in poor light.

Click here for the review of the Fuji F50

What do you reckon? I just want something small and compact to begin with.

As for buying it - I'll probably go to MScolor in Ang Mo Kio. I heard that they are honest and know what they talking about and give good service - but that's heresay. Anyone want to share their experiences?

A Great Day for the American Music Industry

This is totally disgusting. The American Music Industry just sued a single mother with kids for $US220,000 for sharing 24 songs using the KAZAA file sharing program.

The crazy thing is that if she had shoplifted the albums from the store- she would have probably got off less.

There's something perverse about this. Each time I hear a musician half-stoned on crack, cocaine, hashish, bitch about downloaded music, I go - "Yeah right, u need all the help you can get for your alternate lifestyle living."
Jammie Thomas, right, leaves the federal courthouse with her attorney, Brian Toder, after the verdict.
Photo: Julia Cheng
October 5, 2007 - 10:27AM

In the first US trial to challenge the illegal downloading of music on the internet, a single mother from Minnesota was ordered to pay $US220,000 ($247,549) for sharing 24 songs online.

Jammie Thomas, 30, was the first among more than 26,000 people sued by the world's most powerful recording companies to refuse a settlement after being slapped with a lawsuit by the Recording Industry of America and six major music labels.

She turned down an offer to pay a few thousand dollars in fines and instead took the case to court.

Unlike some who insist on the right to share files over the internet, Thomas says she was wrongfully targeted by SafeNet, a contractor employed by the recording industry to patrol the internet for copyrighted material.

Her lawyer said earlier this week that she had racked up some $US60,000 ($67,520) in legal fees because she refused to be bullied.

And while Thomas insisted on the courthouse steps that she had never downloaded or uploaded music, her lawyer tried to convince jurors there was no way to prove who had uploaded songs on the Kazaa file sharing network.

A jury took just five hours to decide that evidence provided by the music labels showed otherwise and found Thomas guilty of copyright infringement, court records showed.

Thomas, an employee of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, an Indian tribe, was ordered to pay a $US9250 ($10,400) fine for each of 24 shared songs cited in the case, including Godsmack's Spiral, Destiny's Child's Bills, Bills, Bills and Sara McLachlan's Building a Mystery.

It could have been a lot worse.

The fine could have reached $US150,000 ($168,700) a song if the jury had found "willful" copyright infringement.

Had the record companies sued her for all 1702 songs found in the online folder the fine could have run in the millions.

AFP

Single Mom fined $200,000: A Great Day for the American Music Industry

This is totally disgusting. The American Music Industry just sued a single mother with kids for $US220,000 for sharing 24 songs using the KAZAA file sharing program.

She lost the court battle and is now forced to pay $200,000.

The crazy thing is that if she had shoplifted the albums from the store- she would have probably got off less.

There's something perverse about this. Each time I hear a musician half-stoned on crack, cocaine, hashish, bitch about downloaded music as they step out of their Lear Jet with his pants, you know that the bugger needs all the cash he can get for his alternate lifestyle living.

What next? Are they going to go after people who record the songs off the radio?

Jammie Thomas, right, leaves the federal courthouse with her attorney, Brian Toder, after the verdict.
Photo: Julia Cheng
October 5, 2007 - 10:27AM

In the first US trial to challenge the illegal downloading of music on the internet, a single mother from Minnesota was ordered to pay $US220,000 ($247,549) for sharing 24 songs online.

Jammie Thomas, 30, was the first among more than 26,000 people sued by the world's most powerful recording companies to refuse a settlement after being slapped with a lawsuit by the Recording Industry of America and six major music labels.

She turned down an offer to pay a few thousand dollars in fines and instead took the case to court.

Unlike some who insist on the right to share files over the internet, Thomas says she was wrongfully targeted by SafeNet, a contractor employed by the recording industry to patrol the internet for copyrighted material.

Her lawyer said earlier this week that she had racked up some $US60,000 ($67,520) in legal fees because she refused to be bullied.

And while Thomas insisted on the courthouse steps that she had never downloaded or uploaded music, her lawyer tried to convince jurors there was no way to prove who had uploaded songs on the Kazaa file sharing network.

A jury took just five hours to decide that evidence provided by the music labels showed otherwise and found Thomas guilty of copyright infringement, court records showed.

Thomas, an employee of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, an Indian tribe, was ordered to pay a $US9250 ($10,400) fine for each of 24 shared songs cited in the case, including Godsmack's Spiral, Destiny's Child's Bills, Bills, Bills and Sara McLachlan's Building a Mystery.

It could have been a lot worse.

The fine could have reached $US150,000 ($168,700) a song if the jury had found "willful" copyright infringement.

Had the record companies sued her for all 1702 songs found in the online folder the fine could have run in the millions.

AFP

A Great Day for the American Music Industry

This is totally disgusting. The American Music Industry just sued a single mother with kids for $US220,000 for sharing 24 songs using the KAZAA file sharing program.

The crazy thing is that if she had shoplifted the albums from the store- she would have probably got off less.

There's something perverse about this. Each time I hear a musician half-stoned on crack, cocaine, hashish, bitch about downloaded music, I go - "Yeah right, u need all the help you can get for your alternate lifestyle living."
Jammie Thomas, right, leaves the federal courthouse with her attorney, Brian Toder, after the verdict.
Photo: Julia Cheng
October 5, 2007 - 10:27AM

In the first US trial to challenge the illegal downloading of music on the internet, a single mother from Minnesota was ordered to pay $US220,000 ($247,549) for sharing 24 songs online.

Jammie Thomas, 30, was the first among more than 26,000 people sued by the world's most powerful recording companies to refuse a settlement after being slapped with a lawsuit by the Recording Industry of America and six major music labels.

She turned down an offer to pay a few thousand dollars in fines and instead took the case to court.

Unlike some who insist on the right to share files over the internet, Thomas says she was wrongfully targeted by SafeNet, a contractor employed by the recording industry to patrol the internet for copyrighted material.

Her lawyer said earlier this week that she had racked up some $US60,000 ($67,520) in legal fees because she refused to be bullied.

And while Thomas insisted on the courthouse steps that she had never downloaded or uploaded music, her lawyer tried to convince jurors there was no way to prove who had uploaded songs on the Kazaa file sharing network.

A jury took just five hours to decide that evidence provided by the music labels showed otherwise and found Thomas guilty of copyright infringement, court records showed.

Thomas, an employee of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, an Indian tribe, was ordered to pay a $US9250 ($10,400) fine for each of 24 shared songs cited in the case, including Godsmack's Spiral, Destiny's Child's Bills, Bills, Bills and Sara McLachlan's Building a Mystery.

It could have been a lot worse.

The fine could have reached $US150,000 ($168,700) a song if the jury had found "willful" copyright infringement.

Had the record companies sued her for all 1702 songs found in the online folder the fine could have run in the millions.

AFP

Romance Math

ROMANCE MATHEMATICS
Smart man + smart woman = romance
Smart man + dumb woman = affair
Dumb man + smart woman = marriage
Dumb man + dumb woman = pregnancy

OFFICE ARITHMETIC
Smart boss + smart employee = profit
Smart boss + dumb employee = production
Dumb boss + smart employee = promotion
Dumb boss + dumb employee = overtime

SHOPPING MATH
A man will pay $20 for a $10 item he needs.
A woman will pay $10 for a $20 item that she doesn't need.

GENERAL EQUATIONS & STATISTICS
A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.
A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.
A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend.
A successful woman is one who can find such a man.

HAPPINESS
To be happy with a man, you must understand him a lot and love him a little.
To be happy with a woman, you must love her a lot and not try to understand her at all.

LONGEVITY
Married men live longer than single men do, but married men are a lot more willing to die.

CHANGE
A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't.
A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change, but she does.

DISCUSSION TECHNIQUE
A woman has the last word in any argument. Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.

Cutesy Online Games to play

100% work safe - and cute like a fluffy bunny with big eyes sitting on a icebox filled with fresh magnum icecreams.

Check it out!!!

http://www.ferryhalim.com/orisinal/

Cutesy Online Games to play

100% work safe - and cute like a fluffy bunny with big eyes sitting on a icebox filled with fresh magnum icecreams.

Check it out!!!

http://www.ferryhalim.com/orisinal/

Euen the man

Euen is the man
Because he's the one who can

Cutesy Online Games to play

100% work safe - and cute like a fluffy bunny with big eyes sitting on a icebox filled with fresh magnum icecreams.

Check it out!!!

http://www.ferryhalim.com/orisinal/

Gym gym gym

I was so happy to be back on the trendmill for my run - there's something about just tuning off - turning up the MP3 music (you can listen to what I listen in my music section) - and just running on the trendmill.

No need to worry about getting run down by cars, cyclists, or running into stoned students engrossed in their latest handheld games.

But the rest of the gym session didn't go so well. I had trouble with my back exercises. And I started getting light headed and dizzy again. My trainer called off the session early.

I think I need more sleep.

Afternoon Ghost tour of the British WW2 High Command Bunker

Start:	Sep 29, '07 12:00p
End:	Sep 30, '07 6:00p

The API group will be having a tour of the British High Command war bunker at Fort Canning.

Think of Saddam Hussein meets Miss Marple that sort of thing.

Its a big underground concrete complex built into the hill. Its the place where the British Generals decided to surrender to the Japanese in 1942. Its also the historical burial site for the ancient Malay kings and the site for various forts built by the Malays, Portuguese, and finally the British.

And its right in the centre of town. Amazing huh?

Most likely - the tour will take place throughout the afternoon in several shifts- so don't worry if you come "late" - after midday.