Diary of a Geeky Kid.

2011-11-12T23:24:00.000+08:00

Finally sorting out all my documents and files proper for migration assistant. If not for the rain, I'll be out riding now. Cos I'll be exchanging my backlight-bleeding 24" iMac soon!

Updates soon. Out.

2011-07-16T14:30:00.001+08:00

Just awoken after good 12 hours of sleep. I attended the long-awaited Officers's Commissioning Ball at Raffles Hotel last night. The ball, or rather dinner, was totally awesome, as in food wise. :P but more on that later.

Off to meet Matt for lunch at Nex, and then get back home and learn how to use the new G12 camera my parents bought.
And of course updates on my whereabouts and activities/ accomplishments/ experiences for the past year in which I was an officer cadet in Officer Cadet School and attended the Armour Infantry Officer Cadet Course, and subsequently commissioned as an Armour officer last weekend.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad.

2011-04-24T15:00:00.000+08:00

Someday I want to meet Robert Pattinson in front of a bunch of screaming Twilight fans and shout "Oh My God! It's Cedric Diggory!"

- From MLIA

Daiso @ Nex

2011-04-23T21:15:00.000+08:00

I frequent Nex shopping centre more often than town for the convenience of its location (as quoted from my best friend Tom, "weekend time in the army is very precious"). Unless I absolutely have to buy or eat something at town which Nex doesn't offer. Otherwise, weekends are usually spent at home watching tv shows like House MD, How I Met Your Mother, and/or catching a movie at the cinema.
(Boring right? Really wishing I could ride my inspired)

Anyway I was at Nex last night with Dinesh, and it's crowded as usual. And then Dinesh said,
"They should have a Daiso store at Nex, so all the crowd would be in Daiso instead."

Limitless and aLOKSAK

2011-04-23T09:00:00.002+08:00

Watched Limitless last night. I'm not surprised that the zip-lock bag used in the movie is actually aLOKSAK, a tough waterproof zip-lock bag with a patented leakproof/airtight seal, tested and approved by the Navy Experimental Diving Unit.

iPhone alarms not working come New Year's Day 2011

2011-01-02T03:27:00.000+08:00

Link: http://m.engadget.com/default/article.do?artUrl=http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/31/psa-iphone-alarms-not-working-come-new-years-day-2011/&category=classic&postPage=1
BY JOSHUA TOPOLSKY
POSTED DEC 31ST 2010 09:03PM

We're not exactly sure of the cause of this fancy new issue affecting Apple's super cool iPhone line of cellphones, but apparently you've got trouble come 1/1/2011. According to an explosive stream of frustration-filled tweets on the Twitter microblogging service, when the clock strikes midnight, one off alarms will cease to sing out. The issue sounds eerily similar to recent Daylight Savings Time trouble we witnessed back in November, although we saw both repeating alarm and single alarm failures.

So how can you fix this potentially life-ruining problem? Well until Apple patches its OS -- and it's currently unclear if this is just iOS 4.2.1 or earlier versions as well -- you can simply create a recurring alarm at the time you need to be woken up, and then disable it once your dreams are completely ruined. We're taking a deeper look into the issue and have contacted Apple -- if we get more news, you guys will be the first to know. In the meantime, feel free to commiserate in comments, and... happy new year?

Update: 9to5 Mac says that the bug will get fixed all by itself once the calendar hits January 3rd. We haven't confirmed this, but if it turns out to be the case, that's pretty good news. In less good news, the issue seems to be affecting iOS 4.1 and 4.0.2 as well.

iPhone alarm not working

2011-01-01T23:01:00.001+08:00

Ahhhh great, come 1st Jan 2011, our iPhones' alarm cannot work until the next iOS update. However, you can get around this by setting it as a recurring alarm.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Thursday, July 29, 2010

2010-07-29T09:21:00.001+08:00

I shall be leaving home in 15 minutes, for my long-awaited enlistment.!

Nothing much to blog about now, except for my new Get Uncommon iPhone custom slider case, and the new Apple Magic Trackpad. But I'll blog about them when I book out on the following week. Until then...

Working at Diesel

2010-07-29T08:41:00.000+08:00

Working in the retail line was duper relaxed as compared to f&b. Thankfully the Diesel store isn't as busy as AX, which is just beside us. One thing is for sure, I don't have to sweep and mop the floor every night like in NYNY, but we do have to vacuum the floor every Sunday as the cleaner is off. And me being a duper neat person, I actually enjoy folding clothes, and keeping the store tidy. Perhaps the only shitty part is serving arrogant customers, but you can never avoid such people in the service line.

Though I've only worked there for 6 weeks, I certainly did enjoy myself very much. If not for my workmates Arcbar and Xin Yee, work would definitely be very boring. Oh speaking about workmates... We have two supervisors, Sani who is gay, and Amy who lives across the road from me. Then we have Angela who is my sister's irksome classmate, and she's equally as irksome at work as well. And not forgetting Arcbar and Xin Yee, my two best buddies at work! We talk ALOT.

I bet you cannot believe the silly things Arcbar and I did at work: Playing with our Nerf guns, shooting the foam darts at the picture of a model. Playing on our iPhones. Throwing a paper plane which I folded and it flies really well too. Throwing bits of rolled-up paper up into the fore-ceiling. Just to name a few. However I didn't get a chance to throw my paper plane up into that fore-ceiling. :P

Work was very fun, and I'm sad that it ended so fast. Nonetheless it was a very good experience, as I never thought I would work in a retail line.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

2010-07-25T23:14:00.001+08:00

Today was my last day at the Diesel store. But I'll blog more about all my work experiences tomorrow!

Anyway. Got home at 10.10pm, and just had my dinner. I am so tired, I only ate half of my dinner.

Oh and if you notice, it's 3 more days till my enlistment! I'm duper excited! Two days before my initial enlistment date (June 7th), I received a letter stating that it is postponed till July 29th. That's where I set the counter, counting down from 56 days. Can't believe time passes so fast! And yes, before I know it, it would be 2012. ;)

Okay off to sleep now. I'll wake up when I wake up!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

iTunes 9.2 Released : Not Safe for Spirit Jailbreakers

2010-07-17T16:15:00.001+08:00

A month ago, Apple updated iTunes from version 9.1 to version 9.2. With iTunes 9.2, you could download and upgrade your iDevice to the new iOS 4.0 firmware.

With this update comes some warning notes for the Jailbreak community, as iTunes 9.2 is not fully compatible with the recent Spirit Jailbreak tool. It is currently recommended to stay away from iTunes 9.2 all together unless you have the need to be on iOS 4 GM. If your not familiar with this, then stop what your doing and simply wait this one out.

If you have not yet jailbroken your device and have iTunes 9.2 installed already, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO JAILBREAK. Your device will go into an infinite boot loop.

If your iDevice is already jailbroken with Spirit prior to iTunes 9.2, then you shouldn't have any problems, but we still recommend to stay away from this update for now. Comex is aware of this and is looking into the issue further to see if he can't patch things up. Patience my friends.

IF your using tools other than Spirit, The iPhone Dev Team has confirmed there are no problems with PwnageTool or RedSn0w with the new iTunes 9.2. So those are you best bet for jailbreaking tools if your already on iTunes 9.2 and need to jailbreak.

However, it is important to note that if you are downgrading, in order to upgrade to a jailbroken iOS 4.0, you MUST be on 3.1.2. The only jailbreak for 3.1.3 is Spirit, which is NOT compatible for upgrading to iOS 4.0 jailbroken.

//

blackra1n jailbreaks all iPhones (up to the old 3GS) and iPod touch (up to 3G) devices running iPhone OS 3.1.2 (although the iPod Touch 3G is tethered; it must be plugged into a computer, and blackra1n must be run to boot the device every time it shuts down).

blackra1n is quite safe to run on iTunes 9.2. I jailbroke a friend's iPhone 3G with blackra1n on my Mac with iTunes 9.2. But don't take my word for it. I'm not responsible if your iDevice gets screwed up from a bad jailbreak.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

2010-07-17T05:30:00.002+08:00

Thunderstorms and a low 25degC. It's gonna be a really chilly morning! Gonna snug in my hoodie on my way to work later!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

How to downgrade your iDevice

2010-07-17T04:04:00.001+08:00

Here is a quite detailed tutorial on how to downgrade your iDevice. I am sorry I am biased, as this post is for Mac users. There is a slight variation in the instructions for PC users.

As you all know, you will loose your jailbreak and unlock when you upgrade your firmware, until a new jailbreak tool has been developed. Unfortunately there are still many people who despite several warnings, still upgrade their firmwares and loose their jailbreak. Or those who realise they are not yet ready for iOS 4 for various reasons; iPhone 3G users who upgraded to the new iOS 4.0 and find that it is slowing the performance of your iPhone 3G, or because most of the Cydia apps aren't compatible with the new iOS 4.0 yet.

Fortunately you can downgrade. But before you proceed to the instructions, do check if your iDevice is eligible to downgrade:

If you have not jailbroken your iDevice before, than I'm sorry, you can't downgrade to an older firmware.

If you have a jailbroken iPhone 3GS, iPod Touch 3G, or iPod Touch 2G (MC-model), be sure to have saved your SHSH blobs on Saurik/Cydia's server.
You can tell if you have SHSH on file by opening Cydia and seeing a message similar to this:

If you are 100% sure you have this message, and recall choosing the "Make My Life Easier" option when you first launched Cydia, then it's time to proceed. If you unfortunately do not have these saved, and are already on iOS 4, then there is nothing you can do.

Ok, so you made it past the hump. You have SHSH blobs on file via Saurik's Cydia server, which means your going to be able to downgrade just fine. The next question is, which firmware would you like to downgrade to. In my case, I have SHSH blobs on file for 3.1.2 and 3.1.3, meaning I can downgrade to either 3.1.2 or 3.1.3.

While it is highly recommended to restore to 3.1.2, some of you may not have that option, but only use 3.1.3 as a last resort. However, it is important to note that if you are downgrading, in order to upgrade to a jailbroken iOS 4.0, you MUST be on 3.1.2. The only jailbreak for 3.1.3 is Spirit, which is NOT compatible for upgrading to iOS 4.0 jailbroken.

For iPhone 3G and iPod Touch 2G (non-MC model), you don't need SHSH on file to downgrade. You can downgrade to any firmware version.

//

Now that we've got this far, its time to begin:

Step 1: Modify the Hosts file

In order to trick iTunes into connecting to Saurik's server instead of Apple, we need to modify the hosts files. This applies to both Windows and Mac users. By doing this, we are able to get iTunes to think that our iDevice is eligible for a downgrade. Normally when a new firmware is released, the older firmwares are no longer signed by Apple, thus preventing downgrading, but by connecting to Saurik's server, we bypass this issue.

On your Mac, open Finder, and choose Go from the toolbar, and then Go To Folder. Type in the following: etc/

A folder should pop up, and inside you'll see the hosts file. Open this file with textedit and add the following line to the bottom:

74.208.10.249
gs.apple.com

Save the hosts file without the .txt extension. You will be prompted for your admin password. If you can't save the file as it is a system file, drag it out to the desktop, save it, and drag it back into the etc/ folder.

Step 2: Installing the firmware

Now put your iPhone in DFU mode, I would like to emphasis that you should put it in DFU mode not Recovery mode.

Press on the Option key on your keyboard and then click restore on iTunes. Specify where you've saved the downloaded 3.1.2 firmware, and the downgrade begins.

Some of you may not have any problems from here, but some of you will end up in recovery mode by the end of it.

Step 3: Getting out of recovery boot loop

Let the iphone reboot and the Connect to iTunes screen appear. Don't panic!! This is normal. Your iDevice is already restored to your preferred firmware. Now we just need to force the phone out of recovery mode. Download iRecovery.

To start iRecovery on Mac, simply open the command line applicaiton (Terminal), and then DRAG the iRecovery file (for Mac) from the location you've extracted it and DROP it inside the Terminal window and add to the end of the command line that is automatically written '-s' so it should be 'irecovery -s'.

When you are left with command line empty, type in the following :
setenv auto-boot true "hit enter"
saveenv "hit enter"
/exit "hit enter"

Reboot your iPhone by pressing and holding the sleep/power button and the home button until the iPhone display turn off.

Have a SIM card inserted in your iPhone. While the iPhone is still connected to your computer and iTunes running, start your iPhone normally by pressing on the Sleep/Power button.
Wait until the iPhone get ACTIVATED by iTunes and then you can jailbreak it by any method you'd like.

//

Compiled and editted by Vinson Philip Kang.
Credits:
http://modmyi.com/forums/iphone-news/715653-guide-how-downgrade-ios-4-a.html
http://modmyi.com/forums/3g-s-downgrading/699990-downgrading-3-1-3-3-1-2-fixing-no-service-issue.html

Vinson's iPhone back on jailboken 3.1.2 via PwnageTool

2010-07-17T04:03:00.000+08:00

Two reasons why I downgraded back to a jailbroken OS 3.1.2.

About two weeks after I upgraded to OS 3.1.3 in June, I updated WinterBoard and SBSettings. iOS 4.0 was released that week many Cydia apps had major updates for 4.0 compability.
And after I updated WinterBoard and SBSettings, there was a glitch in my iPhone. The dock image was positioned in front of the dock icons, thus hiding them from view. In addition, the dock icons were also shifted upwards to where the page indicators are.

Consulted google and found someone having the same problem on modmyi. He was on a jailbroken 3G on iOS 4, but only the dock icons were shifted up.
The next day, he found a solution: navigate to /System/Library/CoreServices/SpringBoard.app, and delete/replace the SBDockBG.png image file.
It worked for him, but it only shifted my dock icons back down. I replaced it with my custom dock png image but my dock icons were still hidden.

At work, I told Arcbar to update his WinterBoard, and his was fine. Also checked with Bryan and Brandon, and they also had no problems. The only way out for me was to restore, or create a transparent dock png image, or wait for the next WinterBoard update.

Then at night, there was another update for WinterBoard. The glitch was removed! But I decided to restore anyway, downgraded back to 3.1.2, and then jailbreak with PwnageTool.

//

PwnageTool works by creating a custom jailbroken IPSW (iPhone software) file, and then you restore your iDevice to that respective custom firmware. Should there be a firmware upgrade, like the new iOS 4.0 for example, I just have to create the custom 4.0 IPSW with the updated PwnageTool 4.0.1, and install it as above.
For other jailbreak tools like blackra1n and Spirit, you'll have to restore to the latest firmware and then jailbreak it with the new tool, which is a tad more troublesome.

Especially since my iPhone 3GS is having the old bootrom, and I can downgrade back to 3.1.2. Not to mention I can upgrade to iOS 4.0 via PwnageTool when the 4.0 compatibility list for Cydia apps is complete.

iPhone iOS 4 jailbreak

2010-07-17T04:02:00.000+08:00

June 21st, 2010, Apple has finally released the very final version of iPhone OS 4 (now renamed to iOS 4.0). The iOS 4 was also jailbroken, on the very same day itself.

Apparently, there is an unofficial version of PwnageTool (4.0) out in the wild which can jailbreak iPhone 3GS (with old bootrom and already pwned on 3.1.2) on the latest iOS 4 firmware.
iPhone Dev Team, the creators of the original PwnageTool has confirmed that this version has been modified and redistributed without their permission, and most importantly, it doesn’t patch some important files which are required for the ultrasn0w unlock to work properly.

The iPhone Dev Team has just updated PwnageTool to version 4.0.1, bringing fix for iBooks on iPhone which was problematic on pwned and hacktivated iOS devices running iOS 4.

Again, this PwnageTool 4.0.1 supports iPhone 3GS (old bootrom and already jailbroken on 3.1.2), iPhone 3G and iPod touch 2G (non MC model). Jailbreak instructions for PwnageTool 4.0.1 are exactly similar to the last release i.e. PwnageTool 4.0.

//

Some important notes from Dev-Team’s blog. MUST READ:

iPhone 3GS

Currently, PwnageTool only works on previously jailbroken 3GS devices with the old bootrom.

You need to be on 3.1.2 firmware and jailbroken (other than Spirit). If you need to downgrade back down to 3.1.2 make sure you have you SHSHs on file in Cydia for 3.1.2.
Create the 4.0 IPSW with PwnageTool 4.0.1 and restore with your jailbroken iPhone in DFU mode.

If you are on firmware 3.1.3 and jailbroken with Spirit you can NOT go directly to jailbroken 4.0.

If you are on 3.1.3 or 4.0 and can't downgrade to 3.1.2 because you don't have your SHSHs on file you currently, then you can NOT currently jailbreak 4.0.

If your iPhone 3GS has the new bootrom you can NOT currently jailbreak 4.0. You can figure out what bootrom you have by running f0recast, if it says Tethered Yes then you can NOT currently jailbreak 4.0.
Wait for a new jailbreak tool to be released. Don't ask me when, I don't know.

iPhone 3G

If you have a jailbroken iPhone 3G at 3.1.2 (but not jailbroken with Spirit) then you could create the 4.0 IPSW with PwnageTool 4.0.1 and restore in DFU mode.

If you have an out of the box iPhone 3G you should restore using a pwned 4.0 IPSW in DFU mode

If you have a jailbroken iPhone 3G at 3.1.3, it is very possible that this can fail from recovery mode, if this failure happens you will need to restore using DFU mode.

As an alternative to PwnageTool, you can use redsn0w on iPhone 3G (on both Windows and Mac).

iPod touch 2G

If you have an iPod touch 2G (non-MC model) that is jailbroken (but not with Spirit) then you can restore in DFU mode.

As an alternative to PwnageTool, you can use redsn0w on non-MC iPod Touch 2G (on both Windows and Mac).

IMPORTANT! Whenever you need to enter DFU mode, you will need to do so using PwnageTool.

//

If you meet all the requirements above, simply follow the guide posted here to jailbreak your iPhone 3GS, 3G or iPod touch 2G using iOS 4 custom firmware.

http://www.redmondpie.com/pwnagetool-4.0-jailbreak-ios-4-iphone-3g-3gs/

or

http://modmyi.com/guides/how-jailbreak-iphone-3gs-4-0-pwnagetool-os-x/

Vinson's iPhone on jailbroken 3.1.3 via Spirit

2010-07-17T04:01:00.000+08:00

Ever since I gotten my iPhone in October 2009, I was running on a jailbroken OS 3.1.2, via blackra1n.

7 months later, in June 2010, my iPhone had a massive hang. I was deleting this app iTypefastr on Cydia and it required my iPhone to respring. It did respring, but hanged after reloading. I waited for 15 minutes, and then pressed both the sleep and home buttons to reboot my iPhone.

However, my iPhone couldn't get pass the Apple boot logo. I decided the only way out was to restore and upgrade my iPhone to OS 3.1.3, and jailbreak it with Spirit. It was actually good because some of my App Store apps require 3.1.3 to run.

//

Also jailbroke Arcbar's and Hongyi's iPhone 3GS new bootrom with Spirit.

Some read-up on iPhone jailbreak tools

2010-07-17T04:00:00.000+08:00

On September 9, 2009, Apple released iPhone OS 3.1. The iPhone Dev Team released PwnageTool 3.1-3 to jailbreak for all devices.

On October 8, 2009, Apple released the iPhone OS 3.1.2, again disabling the ability to jailbreak the device. The iPhone Dev Team released PwnageTool 3.1-4 to jailbreak for all devices.

On October 11, 2009, George Hotz, known under the alias Geohot, released the tool blackra1n, which allows the jailbreaking of all iPhones (up to the old 3GS) and iPod touch (up to 3G) devices running iPhone OS 3.1.2 (although the iPod Touch 3G is tethered; it must be plugged into a computer, and blackra1n must be run to boot the device every time it shuts down).

On October 25, 2009, Geohot released a newer version of blackra1n, RC2, an update that was able to tethered jailbreak the new iPhone 3GS the new iPod Touch 2G 8GB MC model. All of the tethered devices feature an updated boot ROM in which Apple had closed the 24kpwn loophole exploited by the iphone and chronic dev teams. Geohot also released "blacksn0w", an unlocking application for the iPhone which was capable of unlocking the newest baseband version, 5.11.07. Released on November 2, 2009, blackra1n RC3 is the current version, which also includes blacksn0w.

On February 2, 2010, Apple released iPhone OS 3.1.3, which once again disables jailbreaking. However, most iPhone and iPod Touch models can be downgraded. The iPhone 3GS and iPod Touch 3G can be downgraded only if the user saves the SHSH blob of their device with Cydia. Users can download the 3.1.2 firmware and then jailbreak with Blackra1n RC3.
iPhone Dev Team released PwnageTool 3.1-5 to jailbreak OS 3.1.3, provided the iDevice is already on a jailbroken 3.1.2 using PwnageTool.

On March 20, 2010, Wii Homebrew developer Comex released the video "Spirit" showing an iPod Touch 3G booting up while jailbroken, or with an untethered jailbreak as opposed to the tethered jailbreak which George Hots' Blackra1n used. He announced it would be a userland jailbreak, a much lighter and easily patchable jailbreak not used since 1.X firmwares. He said it worked perfectly fine for the iPod touch 3G and the iPhone 3GS, and that it would probably work for the iPad too, when it is released.

On March 25, 2010, Geohot found another exploit to jailbreak iPod Touch 3G, and iPhone 3GS new bootroom 3.1.3+ untethered. He said that the jailbreak will be entirely software-based, and which was rumored later to be revealed as Limera1n, the website has a green/lime rain drop on the screen (possibly becoming the link to download the Limera1n application) it is a rumored upcoming untethered jailbreak for all iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad models.

On April 4, 2010, the day after the iPad Wi-Fi model was released, the Chronic Dev Team tweeted a picture of their iPad jailbroken.
On April 9, 2010, shortly after the Chronic Dev Team's announced jailbreak, Geohot revealed another jailbreak for iPad Wi-Fi model, possibly untethered. The name of Geohot's jailbreak program was rumored to be Limera1n, and has no announced release date.

On May 2, 2010, shortly after the iPad 3G release date, Spirit was released. It works on all iPod touches, all iPhones, and all models of the iPad on 3.1.2-3.2, untethered. It is made similar to Blackra1n, with only a single button to jailbreak.

On June 21, 2010, hours after iOS4 was released, redsn0w 0.9.5b5-3 was released by the iPhone Dev Team for iPod Touch 2G (Non-MC Models) and iPhone 3G (this also hacktivates iPhone 3G).
On June 22, 2010 the day after iOS4 was released, PwnageTool 4.0 was released for iPhone3G, iPhone3GS (Old Bootrom), and iPod Touch 2G (Non-MC Models).

On June 22, 2010 Geohot announced that he found a bootrom exploit which will jailbreak all current iOS devices forever, including iPhone 4.

On June 24, 2010 shortly after iOS4 was released, sn0wbreeze 1.6.1 was released for iPhone 3G, iPhone 3G S (Old Bootrom), and iPod Touch 2G (Non-MC Models).

On June 26, 2010 a userland jailbreak for the iPhone 4 was developed, but it cannot be released to the public until the Apple proprietary code it uses is removed.

On July 10, 2010 Geohot announced on his blog that he would probably not release a jailbreak, for the iPhone 3GS/4.0. He also posted a picture of his iPhone 4, running Cydia, indicating he had jailbroken it. But on July 12, 2010 he wrote on his blog that it was fake.

On July 12, 2010 GeoHot closed his blog to the public by only allowing invited users to access his page.

On July 13, 2010 Planetbeing showed off a carrier unlock for the iPhone 4. However, it is not ready to be released yet.

On July 13, 2010, GeoHot announces his retirement from iDevices hacking, saying that it's not fun as it used to be, and people were taking it too serious for something he used to do just as a distraction when he was bored.

Vinson's iPhone Lockinfo (July 2010)

2010-07-10T19:04:00.000+08:00

Lockinfo lockscreen. Note the slim slider - I just have to slide it by a tad to unlock my iPhone. Really clever design.

iPod control. Note the prevtrack and nexttrack buttons, which are taken off from the Buuf notes theme, and yet to be edited.

Lockinfo homescreen showing only the HTC plug in. Note the Star Wars Scout Trooper wallpaper.

Vinson's custom Mac UI + Buuf iPhone theme (July 2010)

2010-07-10T19:03:00.000+08:00

And after 3 months of theme-ing sessions via SSH and iFile, I've finally came up with my custom Mac UI + Buuf custom theme, and I'm really very happy with it. All of the icons are of Buuf, and UI images are of Mac. Almost everything is themed/buuf'ed. The only thing left to theme are the UI images for the navigation bars.

The Buuf SBSettings theme, Buuf Status Notifier, and wi-fi icons are not found on Cydia, but on the Modmyi forums. You'll have to SSH them into your iPhone.

Buuf SBSettings theme (not found on Cydia!)

Categories folders

HUD with Custom Mac UI theme

BiteSMS Quick Compose with Custom Mac UI theme.

iPod control with Custom Mac UI theme.
I've yet to edit the colour for the prevtrack and nexttrack buttons. They are actually taken off from the Buuf notes theme.

Custom iPod player theme; Mac UI + buuf play/pause buttons.

Custom Buuf SMS theme; 480x480 black png and Buuf SMS balloons.
Note that if you use a custom SMS background, it has to be 480x480 px, due to the dynamic keyboard (protrait / landscape rotation).

Nerf Maverick (clear edition)

2010-07-10T19:02:00.001+08:00

Got myself a Nerf gun!

I've been wanting one since 3 years ago, but missed out on the clear edition as I didn't have the spending power then. Recently during the GSS I noticed the clear edition is back again, and I just had to have one of those. My workmate Arcbar said he wanted to get a Nerf gun too.

Now it wouldn't get so boring at work. It's like all those Nerf gun stories on MLIA!

Pro-Tec Ace Wake helmet

2010-07-10T19:01:00.000+08:00

2 months back, I was riding pretty hard, and I figured I needed a new helmet. My current Pro-Tec Classic Skate helmet could do the job - it's light as it isn't lined with styrofoam, but rather just a ABS plastic lid lined with two removable foam+sponge inserts. But it was getting tight, and I'm totally not fond of the sponge padding. It soaks up your sweat, and has to be washed regularly.

I ordered the Pro-Tec Ace Wake (from Amazon.com), a water sports helmet most commonly used for wakeboarding. It is way lighter than the Classic Skate, and lined with waterproof foam! The Ace Wake comes with a support for the back of the neck, removable neoprene padding for the chin strap, and detachable ear flaps. I got the matte rubber black, which is really very lush and stealthy.

In case you guys are wondering if using such helmets are safe for riding, it is. Back in 2006 I was riding at the Somerset skatepark and screwed up on a jump. I ended up flipping over the bar and my steel street bike landed smack right on top of my helmet (Pro-Tec Classic Bucky). All I felt was a tap on my head.
Our commando SOF troopers also use these Pro-Tec helmets for hostage rescue.

Sadly, my helmet arrived one week after my Inspired was stolen.

Monday, July 5, 2010

2010-07-10T19:00:00.001+08:00

Finally having my long-awaited off! After 8 straight days of work, due to the sales period. Have you seen the sale at Mango or Zara? I was actually prepared to encounter customers who come in and shop like no tomorrow. But thankfully it wasn't killer busy at all, but in fact it was just like any other normal day at work - slack. :P

Anyway, watched "Knight and Day" with Bryan and Brandon at Vivo City. Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz never fails to entertain us with their cheesy and humorous lines, especially during the fire fights. This is one action-packed rom-com worth watching in the cinema. On the side note, "Knight and Day" is way better than "Mr. and Mrs. Smith".

Oh yes, Tom Cruise's iPhone in "Knight and Day" really rocks! Oh man I which my iPhone could do something like that!

2010-07-09T16:21:00.001+08:00

I saw my blog counter reads 1666. I quickly refreshed the page so it's now 1667. MLIA.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Toy Story 3 and Star Wars

2010-07-01T22:31:00.001+08:00

If you're a Star Wars fan like me, and if you watched Toy Story 3, you'll notice that the way Big Baby lifted Lotso-Huggin bear over his head and throwing him into the dumpster, is like what Darth Vader did to the Emperor in Return of The Jedi.

Okay I think I think too much about Star Wars. A few days back while typing "Starhub" on Google, I typed "Starwars".

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Watched The A-Team again!

2010-06-30T23:08:00.000+08:00

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Watched The A-Team, again, this time with dad and mum. It is no doubt the best military action comedy movie for 2010!

And you know what? I am so going to buy the two The A-Team graphic novels! As well as the complete tv series! It's one of those good action tv shows of the 80s like MacGyver. Damn, I miss watching MacGyver too.

Toy Story 3

2010-06-30T23:07:00.001+08:00

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Met up with Matt for lunch at Chilli's, and then watched Toy Story 3 in 3D at Cathay Cineleisure. TOY STORY 3 WAS GREAT!!! It was the third and final installment, and it had the best storyline and the funniest humour/comical moments. The ending scene was rather very sad and I actually ~~cried~~ teared.

My close friends would know that I always think about EVERYTHING in particular. I'm not sure if you readers actually reflect on the movie, but Toy Story teaches us lots of great moral values.
All the 3 movies have one thing in common; the moral of the story is to stand up for one another, stay/work together as a team, and leave no one behind.

Any real military leader will know the 3M's - mission, men, and me.
Always place the mission first. Woody headed back to Andy's on his own, even when the other toys felt that their mission was completed.
Always put others before self. When Woody found out the true nature of Lotso-Huggin bear and Sunnyside Child Care, and even though he knew the way back to Andy's, he still went back to Sunnyside to rescue his friends.

Toy Story isn't all about a story about toys and their lifes. It's more than that. It's about leadership, trust, teamwork. I grew up watching Toy Story, and the final installment is the most meaningful and touching. Perhaps they would make a fourth part in the near future about the Toys with their new owner Bonnie.

The A-Team (film)

2010-06-30T23:06:00.002+08:00

Monday, June 14

I was to watch The A-Team with dad after his trip to Paris, but I couldn't wait.

The A-Team movie is actually a remake based on the The A-Team TV series in the 80s which spanned 5 seasons. The story is about a fictional group of 4 ex-United States Army Special Forces who work as soldiers of fortune while being on the run from the military after being branded as war criminals for a "crime they didn't commit". Despite being thought of as mercenaries by the other characters in the show, the A-Team always acted on the side of good and helped the oppressed*.
It remains known in popular culture for its cartoon-like use of over-the-top violence (in which people were seldom seriously hurt), formulaic episodes, featuring the ability to form weaponry and vehicles out of old parts, and its distinctive theme tune, which was also used in the movie.

* Although not directly referenced in the series, the name of the show comes from "A-Teams", the nickname for Operational Detachments Alpha (ODA). The US Army Special Forces uses the term ODA for their 12-man direct operations teams.
The motto of Special Forces is "De Oppresso Liber" which means to liberate the oppressed.

The most funniest moment in the movie has definitely got to be the part where the A-Team "flies the tank" !

//

Some things I noticed in the film:

In the intro scene, Hannibal, Face, B.A, and Murdock were Rangers. Now this does not mean they are serving in the Ranger Regiment, but they are Ranger trained. During the scene where they were court-martialed, you could see on their uniforms that they are serving in the Special Forces, and having the SF, Ranger, and Airborne tabs. Only Murdock wasn't wearing the Ranger tab, though he was Ranger trained.

The A-Team were from the 7th Special Forces Group, as seen from the red flash on their green beret.

Hannibal is seen wearing the Thai airborne wing on his uniform.

During the scene in the shipping containers, Murdock is wearing a tee with the 11th Airborne Division patch.

This was what the A-Team was wearing on the left sleeve of their uniform. I did that on my jacket too!

My patches collection. I only lack of the Psychological Operations patch.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

2010-06-30T23:05:00.003+08:00

Met up with Brandon in the morning at 10am ish at Raffles City Starbucks. We brought along our MacBooks to have a SSH session. Spent like two hours working on our buuf2 custom theme. Renaming the buuf icons to match the respective app names; so now almost every app icon we have on our iPhones now are buff'ed. Also made some really cool custom themes by merging two different themes together.

I guess the Buuf2 theme is prolly the biggest package file. The icon folder bitself is 25MB ish! One app icon is only 10KB ish. Just imaging how many app icons are there!

Matt came by and joined us for lunch, at Suntec Astons. We then slacked at Macky D's and continued on the SSH session till 7pm ish. I followed Brandon to his estate's hawker centre at Circuit Road for some really good dinner. Hainanese chicken rice, fried ouster omelette, sugar cane drink. Yummy!

Also received a call from the HR manager that I got in! :D I'll be working at the Diesel store at Vivo City.

Lockinfo homescreen set to show only the HTC plug-in, Android-style dock, iPad wallpaper.

Better version of Android dock, iPhone 4 wallpaper.
Note the Apple store app, which is only available for download on US iTunes accounts.

Categories Store folder. Tthe icon was actually for Mac folders, which I didn't realise until I SSH'ed it into my iPhone. Resized it to 60x60 and it's good to go now!

Monday, June 7, 2010

2010-06-30T23:04:00.000+08:00

I was to enlist today, but it got postponed to July 29th. You can read the post about it here. That's 8 more weeks of wait, and it looks like I would have to find a part-time job. Though I could join NYNY again, I decided not too; enough with the constant shortage of manpower and being overworked.

Anyway, sis is currently having her semester break and started working for Club21 a week ago, at the Marc Jacobs store. She gave me the HR contact, but no one seems to be answering the calls; I keep getting directed to the answering machine. Tough luck I guess. But it all changed when the HR manager herself went down to Marc Jacobs over the weekend to shop. And that's where sis told her "that my brother is looking for a part-time job". The HR manager said I could come by for an interview. Lucky me.

And so I went down for an interview today, and I believe it went on well. Hopefully they would hire me though it's only for 8 weeks. And since sis helped me on this, a owe her a favour in terms of Topshop / Zara clothes.

The Handburger lunch

2010-06-30T23:03:00.000+08:00

Friday, June 4

Met up with Ann for lunch at The Handburger. They have this weekday set lunch for $8.80, which is quite of a good deal. The burger was delicious and the beef patty was really good and tender. It's comparable to Aston's ieatsuperburger, though the ieatsuperburger doesn't come with any sides. But Chilli's bigmouth bacon burger is still by far the best burger I've had here.

Also passed Ann her birthday present of homemade brownies with white chocolate chips and mini m&m's, a handmade card, and a gift. Really glad she likes it! Okay the brownies aren't really homemade from scratch, I bought a box of Betty Crocker's brownie premix. :/ But I still got to add water, oil, and eggs! :P

Annyway here's happy 17th birthday to you!

Ubin camp (June 2010)

2010-06-30T23:02:00.002+08:00

Wednesday, June 2 - Thursday, June 3

Matt and I had a 2d1n camp over at Palau Ubin. This is my 6th Ubin camping trip. The camp was great and would have been better.

The firewood was damp due to the rain in the morning. We manage to start a fire, of course, but it was ~~big~~ small enough to cook our chicken dinner. And having a biscuit tin as an oven for our chicken would certainly be spot on.

Somehow the toilet light's sensor wasn't working so we had to shower in the pitch dark. That was perfectly alright but the tap on the wall was spoilt, leaving us to the 2 taps on the sink which was rather troublesome to use. We went out to use the taps outside instead, butt naked and exposed to all the mosquitoes. And I saw a firefly while I was bathing!

Also met this tourist dude from Luxomburg, who was also a scout! Though I don't help out in my scout troop anymore, I am still living by the scouting way of life. Apart from such camping trips, improvising/adapting out of ordinary things/situations in my daily life, nothing beats participating in scouts meetings. That is what I call fun. Ahhh, those were the days...

Ubin sunset, taken with iPhone 3GS.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

2010-06-30T23:01:00.000+08:00

Headed down to SP with Matt for lunch, and then to the project lab to use the milling machine. During our Final Year Project in 2007, our group was given a $5000 budget. We had lots of extra money and so we bought lots of aluminium billet and then CNC'ed a total of 10 mtb street stems. Unfortunately we didn't manage to complete the face plates, until today. We have 4 good stems now, but they're not for sale. :P

I also collected my diploma as I didn't even bother to attend my graduation. Because I played alot and didn't study much, I basically screwed up my poly education and spent an extra year retaking several modules. I figured it wasn't worth it wasting money to rent that silly suit, after all it's just a diploma. Next stop, a degree and then masters in psychology!

MC.2 Roadshow at Funan (May 2010)

2010-06-30T23:00:00.002+08:00

Wednesday, May 26

On my way home after my NAPFA test, Matt called me asking if I wanted to work at the MC.2 Roadshow at Funan. It would start on the next day, for 4 days, similar to the quarterly IT fairs. Since I don't have a bike to ride anymore, and rather than staying at home doing "nothing", I decided why not? The pay may be a low $30/day and commission-based, but it's always better to earn some extra cash. (:

//

Thursday, May 27

Was posted to the Acer booth with Matt. I saw there was an Apple booth! Omg, I am so jealous of the guys and girls working there! From what I observe they aren't Mac users. I asked my in-charge if I could be transferred to the Apple booth from the next day onwards, and he agreed. I've never been that excited working before! I've always wanted to sell Apple computers, and I'm finally being able to do it! Yayyy.

Jeremy dropped by in the afternoon and we chatted all the way till dinner time. There was hardly a single customer for the entire day anyway. And just before closing time at 8.30PM, this man in his 60s came up to me, and said he wanted to buy this Acer netbook. My first sale of the day! Lucky me. Haha. That's like $10 of commission.

//

Friday, May 28

Posted to the Apple booth! And the first thing I did was to sign in to wireless@sg. :P

My target was to sell 3 MacBooks for each day. Didn't make any sale the entire afternoon, until Jeremy called me and said his friend William would be coming down to buy 2 MacBooks. William was a really nice guy, and gave me lots of tips on uni.

Also played Star Wars: The Clone Wars movie on the 27" iMac.

//

Saturday, May 29

Sold a MacBook to this lady. She intended to buy a Mac because of the virus poblems on PCs, but was reluctant due to the Mac platform being different. She finally switched over after showing her the all the finger-swipes shortcuts on the trackpad.

I almost converted another PC user - she was wowed by the cool features of OS X, but ended up buying a Vaio. Because she's afraid she might not get used to using a Mac.
The Vaio is an over-rated and over-price notebook. The MacBook is cheaper and way better.

Another turn off was Office for Mac being expensive; it comes with 3 licenses and most people only need one. But people don't think for the long-term. It is for sure once you use a Mac, you'll never want to go back to a PC ever again, (unless your a weido) and perhaps you may even want to buy another machine. That's where the remaining Office for Mac license comes in. Or you could sell it to your friends.

Contrary to popular belief, Mac is duper easy to use. People say it's difficult cos they told themselves it's difficult, and thus restrict and refuse to allow themselves to fully utilitise the Mac OS.

//

Sunday, May 30

The last day was rather slack. To be honest I didn't intend to sell anything today. I spent the entire day on MLIA.
After coming back from the toilet, I saw this girl using the MBP and when she saw me, she ran off with her friend. I went back to facebook and saw she didn't sign out. I couldn't help it but wrote on her wall "I am at Funan trying this really cool MacBook Pro, but unfortunately I forgot to log out."

And right when we're about to pack up, this guy came up to me and said he wanted to buy the 17" MBP. Since we didn't have stock of it, he bought the 15" i7. Cool!

Busy bee

2010-06-10T07:03:00.001+08:00

Anyway, ever since Inspired was stolen on May 25th, I was pretty much kept occupied with work and activities. It was a good thing though, and there was hardly a single day where I stayed at home and did nothing. That explains why my blog was "on hiatus".

Vince's Inspired Fourplay spec list

2010-06-10T07:02:00.002+08:00

Here is the specifications list for my Inspired Fourplay:

Frame and Forks
- Frame: Inspired Fourplay (blue)
- Forks: Pashley with forward-facing disc mount (orange)
This is the only Pashley rigid fork in Singapore which has a forward facing disc mount.

Wheels
- Front hub: Hope Pro2 with Hope QR (gunsmoke)
- Rear hub: Hope Pro 2 Trials (gunsmoke)
- Cassette Lockring:
- Chain tensioner: Rohloff
- Front rim: Alex DM24 (black)
- Rear rim: Alex DM24 (black)
- Spokes: DT Swiss Comp (black)
- Inner tube (front): CST
- Inner tube (rear): CST
- Front tyre: Maxxis Holy Roller 24x2.4
- Rear tyre: Maxxis Holy Roller 24x2.4

Brakes
- Front brake: Shimano OEM
- Disc rotor: Magura 180mm
- Rear brake: Magura HS33 (black)
- Brake pads: Heatsink Cousts on Heatsink CNC backings
This is the only pair of Heatsink CNC Cousts pads in Singapore.
- Brake clamps: Magura (silver)

Drivetrain
- Cranks: Modulo (black)
- Front Chainring: Trialtech 18T
- Chain: Trialtech Z610 Kool
- Rear Sprocket: Trialtech Sport Splined 14T
- Pedals: Diety platform (black)
- Bottom bracket: Worldcat
- Bashring: Trialtech twin

Seating
- Saddle: Odyssey plastic pivotal (translucent white)
- Seatpost: Inspired Pivotal (black)
- Seat Clamp: Inspired (black)

Steering
- Headset: Diatech
- Stem: Blk Mrkt riser
- Grips: Spank lock-on (black)
- Handlebars: Blk Mrkt 3" riser

Things to take note:
There are only 7 Inspired Fourplay frames in Singapore, and mine being the only blue.
I am the only one in Singapore using: a Pashley fork with forward-facing disc mounts, Heatsink Coust pads in CNC backings, and the only Inspired using a Rohloff tensioner. The Rohloff tensioner is pretty rare in Singapore too.

How my bike got stolen

2010-06-10T07:01:00.002+08:00

Sunday night, May 23

After riding the whole day, Matt called me down for a slack riding session at Hougang Mall after dinner. We met 2 really cool fixie riders. While the 4 of us were chatting, a group of ah bengs passed us, walking towards Hougang Mall. The tallest guy in the group, who apparently had a face where you would punch (because he just has that fucked up ah beng face), kept staring at us. If his head could turn a 180deg, I'm very sure he would have continued staring. About an hour later, the very same group passed us, walking back to the train station. And that same guy kept eyeballing us again. Like what's your problem, fuck-face?

//

Monday night, May 24

Matt called me down for another slack ride at Hougang Mall after dinner. Again. This time we met a group of about 10 bmx riders. Matt went up to introduce himself, and then they said, 'And that's Vince.' And the funny thing is that I've never met anyone of them before. Okay that's really pretty cool.
One of them also said he tried my white 24UK bike last time. But I couldn't recall.

Matt told me that on his way down, as he was passing Kovan area, he bumped into fuck-face. Apparently fuck-face was riding in the opposite direction. Matt decided to say hi, and asked where he was heading to. Fuck-face said he was going back home to Boon Keng, but would be coming by Hougang Mall at 0100 to ask us some questions on our bike parts.

//

Tuesday 0100, May 25

Fuck-face arrived on his dark blue cheap ish bmx. A minute later his short friend arrived on foot, said he would wait some where else, took the bmx and rode away.

Fuck-face then proceeded to talk about the bike shops around his estate, and mentioned a particular one at Telok Kurau. After that, he asked if he could try my bike. I foolishly allowed. Fuck-face turned into a blind spot, and through a gap through some pillars, I saw short-friend stand up from a bench, talked to someone (presumably fuck-face), and rode away.

My Jedi sense really something amiss and I gave chase, telling Matt to wait if fuck-face were to return. Both asswipes were no where to be seen. Fuck. I saw those group of bmx riders seated at the air-conditioned coffee shop, and asked if by any chance they saw anyone riding my bike. They said yes, and that he rode towards the junction of Upper Serangoon Road and Hougang Ave 5.

Fuck me. My bike just got stolen. I immediately ran towards that junction but to no avail. As I was running back to Hougang Mall, those bmx riders were talking to 2 police officers. Good thing they were on patrol and happened to drive by, and I then gave my statement.

//

It was rather very careless of me to have allowed fuck-face to ride my bike. I didn't quite sense a disturbance in the Force when he asked to try it. But I remained very very calm throughout the situation. Panicking will not bring the bike back.

However, while we all were chatting, Matt asked fuck-face for his Facebook, and he simply gave it to us. And yes, it was a valid email address, with his photo in the profile picture, but his profile was set to private. Based on that, I have pretty much compiled a great deal of information on fuck-face and sent it to the police. I shall post an entry on his profile soon.

Best and last riding session

2010-06-10T07:00:00.001+08:00

Sunday, May 23

Rode with Bryan in the morning till lunch time. Took a video of me riding a simple line - pedal kick up to ledge and gap to flat. Didn't quite succeed but next time!

Dropped by Bryan's house for an hour to help him on some iPhone SSH issues. His mum was really nice by offering me ham & cheese sandwich for lunch.

After that I rode at the Plaza. Finally gathered some balls to do a 270 spin down that 24" ledge! It felt really great! I mean, I felt really great too! It's like you're flying down. I then headed to Sculpture Park, and decided to ride those ledges as if I was riding natural. I tried to ride it as smooth as possible, like Ryan Leech's Manifesto style.

Overall, the riding session was totally spot on. I've been riding really hard over the past 2 weeks, riding lines I've never rode before, and pushing myself really hard. But little did I know that it would be my best and last riding session. More about that in the next post.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

2010-06-08T09:17:00.002+08:00

Urgh, got to find time to bloggg...

Enlisting into enhanced batch on July 29th

2010-06-01T22:02:00.000+08:00

Tuesday, June 1, 2010
YOU WILL BE UNDERGOING A 9-WEEK BASIC MILITARY TRAINING FOR FULL-TIME NATIONAL SERVICE ON 29 JULY 2010.

Oh my god. MINDEF has got to be kidding me. I am so looking forward to my enlistment, and now you tell me it will be delayed for another 8 weeks. I don't care about enlisting into the PTP batch; I just want to enlist on June 7th! Nothing else matters anymore.

PTP is 8 weeks, and my latest enlistment on July 29th is 8 weeks later. It's the same, meaning either way, my BMT phase will start on the same week, and I'll ORD on the same week. The point is, I don't want to hang around or work for the next 8 weeks. That's the reason why I resigned from NYNY in the first place. Work simply sucks ass. First thing tomorrow morning, I'll call CMPB, and request to re-join the PTP batch on June 7th.

I really hope and pray that they would allow.

NAPFA test GOLD

2010-06-01T22:01:00.003+08:00

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

Took my NAPFA test at Toa Payoh stadium without any training for the past 2 months. Before I left home, I wrote on a piece of paper the criteria to get 5 points for each station. My goal is to achieve 5 points for each station. Here are my results, all in one attempt.

Sit Up: 40 (5 points)

Chin Up: 11 (5 points)

Sit & Reach: 41cm (3 points)
You'll need 48cm to achieve 5 points. But how is that even possible? I could reach my toes, which I believe is good enough. Flexibility is not the key, but agility. I could be 5 foot no inches, but if I can run a 2.4 in under 9 minutes... There is a reason why the SAF does not include sit & reach in IPPT.

Broad Jump: 260cm (5 points)
You'll need 243cm to achieve 5 points. The guys in my group could jump about 220cm ish, which is the minimum distance to pass. They were all very surprised and awed when I hit 260cm. One guy didn't believe that I was in the PTP batch.
There is no secret technique here, I am a Jedi and I used the Force to jump. Alright I'm just joking. You simply look far beyond the 3-metre mark, bend your knees as low as you can, swing your arms with lots of force, and jump as hard and as far as you can, leaning forward as you land. It's not all about your springly legs, but rather on your hips. Your torso where your body's centre of gravity is, and your hips transmit the most amount of energy when you jump. All hip power.
Since I ride biketrial and do gaps; static and rolling gaps alike; where we use our hip power to gap distances of 3 metres ish (Damon Watson), it's pretty much the same.

Shuttle Run: 10.4seconds (4 points)
You'll need 10.39 seconds to achieve 5 points. My shuttle run is pants, and it would really be a miracle if I can even get 1 point for it. I did visualise the theory however. What slows me down is the turning. But the trick/technique is not only in the turning, but rather in where you stop to grab the block and turn. Most people stop and position their foot about a metre away from the block and stretch out their hand to grab the block, thinking they could shave a metre off and shorten the distance to sprint. What they all forget, is that when you reach over that one metre, your body's centre of gravity would be offset greatly. You would need more effort to bring yourself over your body's centre of gravity, and that wastes lots of precious time.
The correct and most efficient technique is to place your foot right in front of the block, lower your body, and grab the block. And because your body is low, it makes it easier to sprint back. As for the turning, you should face the block perpendicularly. This means you turn 90deg to grab the block, and then turn another 90deg to sprint back.

2.4KM Run: 10.20minutes (5 points)
Bad timing. My best was sub-9. But I was the first to complete the 2.4 run!

Total: 27 points
Award: GOLD

I knew I would still be enlisting into the PTP batch, but at least I've got some credibility in my pocket.

Enlisting into PTP batch on June 7th

2010-06-01T22:00:00.002+08:00

January 15th, 2010
YOU ARE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO A 7-WEEK MODIFIED BASIC MILITARY TRAINING FOR FULL-TIME NATIONAL SERVICE ON 12 APRIL 2010.

October 1st, 2009, had my medical check-up, and was given a medical status grading of PES D. PES D means a pending medical status.
November 26th, 2009, received a letter that I was officially graded as PES C1 L3.
January 12th, 2010, headed down to CMPB to upgrade my medical status to PES A. The MO disapproved, and I was still graded as PES C1 L3.
February 23rd, 2010, dad brought me down to Hendon Camp to see the commando MO, who advised me to see the specialist doctor at CGH to write a simple memo that I was medically fit for all vocations. Immediately headed down to CGH and got the memo. The specialist doctor was very surprised as no one in the right frame of mind would want to upgrade his PES status. The commando MO said all should be well and that I would be able to enlist into commando.
February 24th, 2010, headed down to CMPB with the memo. The MO saw that there was no threat to my medical condition and upgraded me to PES B L1. Likewise, he was also very surprised that I took so much effort to be graded as combat fit.
March 4th, 2010, received a letter that I was officially graded as PES B L1.
Unfortunately the civilians in CMPB decide to fuck me up and disallow me to enlist in commando.

//

April 19th, 2010
AS YOU DID NOT ATTAIN THE REQUIRED NAPFA TEST STANDARD, YOU WILL BE UNDERGOING AN 8-WEEK PHYSICAL TRAINING PHASE PROGRAMME FOLLOWED BY A 9-WEEK BASIC MILITARY TRAINING ON 07 JUNE 2010.

Looks like I would have to enlist into the PTP batch. Your NAPFA test results are only valid for a year and mine was already 3 months expired. The only way for me to get out of the PTP batch is to take and pass the NAPFA test, at least 2 weeks before the enlistment date.
Not really an excuse, but due to my hectic work schedule, I stopped my daily running training for 2 months. When I resigned, I only had 3 weeks till my enlistment on June 7th. I booked the test date online, and the next available test date was on May 26th. And that is less that 14 days to my enlistment date.
And looks like I've screwed myself up and would have to join the PTP batch anyway.
Even if I pass my NAPFA test and join the normal 9-week BMT, they might not be able to squeeze me into the July enlistment, and would have to enlist in September. That is a real drag. I don't wish to work anymore, and enlist asap. I've been waiting to enlist since after secondary school.
And if I enlist into PTP batch on June 7th, my BMT phase would start in August. That's one month earlier as compared to enlisting in September.

However, I feel that there are more pros than cons in enlisting into the PTP batch, based on my current situation.

I get to train and improve on my fitness. Since I'm already very fit, I will be even fitter.
I will also get paid for the extra 2 months, for keeping fit.
I will get more exposure to the SAF, which helps on my decision on signing on.

Prank call: Awarded scholarship from ST Aero

2010-05-22T15:04:00.000+08:00

Tuesday, May 18

My alarm was set to sound off at 1015 this morning but I was awoken by a call at 0940. The good thing about me is that where most people still feel sleepy/drowsy when they wake up, I don't. I feel and sound very much alert even when my body says, 'Ahh what? Huh? Oh? My iPhone is ringing? Where?'

Anyhow, here is the conversation.

Me: Hello?

Guy: (calling from a mobile number) Hi sir, may I know where are you now?

Me: Home?

Guy: Oh you don't have school today?

Me: No. I'm waiting for enlistment.

Guy: Okay I'm calling from ST Aero, and you are awarded a scholarship from us. When did you graduate from poly?

Me: Last August. (Somehow at this point I sense something really amiss. Real companies call from a land line.)

Guy: Okay sir, this scholarship is about you being a LAE (Liscensed Aircraft Engineer), and I need to ask you some questions.
May I know what is your height?

Me: 173cm.

Guy: That's short. But it's ok on our side.

Me: Err okay...

Guy: And may I know what is your weight sir?

Me: 64kg.

Guy: Ok that's good. Most guys are overweight. So getting into the aircraft for you wouldn't be a problem.

Me: Okay...

And do you have a straight orientation? I mean, we have to know if you are a homosexual, as engineering is a male working environment. So are you straight sir?

Me: Yes of course I am.

Guy: And may I know what is the size of your penis?

Me: What?!

Guy: Yes sir, we need to know for our medical records.

Me: Normal size?

Guy: Normal size as in? We need to know the measurements sir. Could you measure it please?

Me: Ok hold on. (I actually put the phone on my table)

[After 2 minutes]

Guy: Hello sir, are you there?

Me: Yes hold on, I'm finding my ruler.

Guy: Hello?

Me: Wait, I'm trying to measure.

[I can hear giggling in the background with the words "he's trying to measure it". Which gave me a very good idea. I took out my kaossilator, selected this high pitch sound, put it on loop, and blasted it into the phone mic.]

//

After about 30sec, he hung up. And then called me back again, only to have the same high pitch sound blasted back at him.

He then texted me asking if I was still interested else the scholarship would go to someone else.

//

1. Now I may not be offended by your disgusting questions, but you bloody hell woke me up half hour before my alarm sounded.

2. Real companies use a landline, dumbass.

3. You didn't bother to introduce yourself when you call.

4. You never ever start a conversation with "where are you now". Go straight to the fucking point!

5. Stop giggling when you wait for me to "measure". I can hear you.

6. I am not sorry for blasting high pitch sounds from my kaossilator. May you go deaf.

7. I googled your mobile number. I'm on to you Thipak, you fucked up fucktard.
I joined Thipak's class during my final year in poly, and apparrently everyone in his class hates him. Good to know he is still a looser.

8. I've made a police report but they classified it as a prank call, so there is pretty much nothing they can do about it. Unless it's a harrassment.

9. So I ever see you in army... Then Merry Christmas. For I will definitely fuck you up and square your ass away. And happy new year too.

10. For the record, I didn't measure. And I guess this is where iBlacklist comes in handy. ;)

Iron Man 2

2010-05-22T15:03:00.000+08:00

Monday, May 17

Finally watched Iron Man 2! I saw the second trailer some time back and I was totally awed by the suitcase armour!!! I was like omg, no way! That is one of the Iron Man classics. Met up with Brandon to watch it and first time meeting him too.

All of my friends have already watched Iron Man 2 on its orst week and they all said the same thing: 'The movie is nice but the fighting sucks. The fight with the main villain towards the end only lasted a minute.'

Well people, Marvel movies do not centre around the hero fighting the villain. It revolves around the character's life; the things he do, and how he goes about to solve his problems.
Every superhero has a responsilibity to bear. The classic example is Spider-Man. "With great powers come great responsibility." And if you're a real fan of Spider-Man, you would know how many times he wish he could stop and give up being Spider-Man, that his gift was a curse. But his gift was his responsibility.

The main plot in Iron Man 2 was Tony Stark being poisoned by the palladium core in his chest piece arc reactor, and consequently develops a new element for his arc reactor. This is shown with his new Mark IV armour having a triangular arc reactor rather than a circular one as with the previous Mark III. The current Iron Man comics also show the armour utilizing a triangular arc reactor.

//

War Machine armour

A ruthless rival, Obadiah Stane, manipulates Stark emotionally into a serious relapse. As a result, Stark loses control of Stark International, becomes a homeless alcoholic vagrant and gives up his armored identity to Rhodes, who becomes the new Iron Man for a lengthy period of time. Eventually, Stark recovers and joins a new startup, Circuits Maximus. Stark concentrates on new technological designs, including building a new set of armor as part of his recuperative therapy. Rhodes continues to act as Iron Man but steadily grows more aggressive and paranoid, due to the armor not being calibrated properly for his use. Eventually Rhodes goes on a rampage, and Stark has to don a replica of his original armor to stop him.

Stark's health continues to deteriorate, and he discovers the armor's cybernetic interface is causing irreversible damage to his nervous system. His condition is aggravated by a failed attempt on his life by a mentally unbalanced former lover which injures his spine, paralyzing him. Stark has a nerve chip implanted into his spine to regain his mobility. Still, Stark's nervous system continues its slide towards failure, and he constructs a "skin" made up of artificial nerve circuitry to assist it. Stark also begins to pilot a remote-controlled Iron Man armor, but when faced with the Masters of Silence, the telepresence suit proves inadequate.

Stark then designs a more heavily-armed version of the suit to wear, the "Variable Threat Response Battle Suit", which becomes known as the War Machine armor. Ultimately, the damage to his nervous system becomes too extensive. Faking his death, Stark places himself in suspended animation to heal as Rhodes takes over the running of Stark Enterprises and the mantle of Iron Man using the War Machine armor. Stark ultimately makes a full recovery by using a chip to reprogram himself and resumes the Iron Man identity. When Rhodes learns that Stark has manipulated his friends by faking his own death, he becomes enraged and the two friends part ways, Rhodes continuing as War Machine in a solo career.

Now you know how the War Machine came about.

//

Extremis process

Now this would be really cool if they made it into the movie.

After being critically injured during a battle with the Extremis-enhanced Mallen, Stark injects his nervous system with a modified techno-organic virus-like body restructuring machines (the Extremis process). By rewriting his own biology, Stark is able to save his life, gain an enhanced healing factor and partially merge with the Iron Man armor, superseding the need for bulky, AI-controlled armors in favor of lighter designs, technopathically controlled by his own brain. His enhanced technopathy extends to every piece of technology, limitless and effortlessly (due to his ability to interface with communication satellites and wireless connections to increase his "range"). Some components of the armor-sheath are now stored in Tony's body, able to be recalled, and extruded from his own skin, at will.

//

After the credits

In a post-credits scene, S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Coulson , in the New Mexico desert, informs Fury over the phone, "We've found it." Inside an impact crater is Mjolnir, the hammer of Thor.

I know the Thor movie is to be released in 2011. And I wasn't surprised to see Thor's hammer at the end. After all, Thor is one of the founding members in the Avengers.

//

Cool stuffs I noticed in the move.

Captain America's "shield" was seen in the movie, when Tony is developing the new element and asks Agent Coulson to place the shield beneath the pipe to level it. The shield was also seen on Tony's desk in Iron Man 1.

Virginia "Pepper" Potts was seen drinking a can of Dr Pepper.

//

Scarlett Johansson, who plays Natalie Rushman aka SHIELD Agent Natalia Romanoff, is actually (Natalia Romanova) Black Widow.

Throughout the entire movie, the terms Black Widow and War Machine wasn't used.

Officially resigned from NYNY

2010-05-22T15:02:00.000+08:00

Monday, May 17

I wrote a note of Facebook and tagged all the part time staffs.

To all my fellow work mates at NYNY:

I've officially resigned from NYNY with effect from today, as I would be enlisting in July. Need all the time to do my own stuffs.
Last week was the last week of me as full-time. That's 8 months of full-time, making it a total of 13 months at NYNY. My goodness that's duper long.

I've met and made so many great friends, and this is one work experience I will never forget. :) I would like to highlight some fun moments we all shared:

1. When we all started work, we all thought Zhang Yan was some small crazy Chinese girl who goes screaming around.

2. And we wondered if AJ was errr, gay. :/

3. Staff lunch is always the same. If it's not fried fish, then it's steam/stewed/roasted/fried chicken. And deep fried vege. Yuck.

4. The countless times we had aglio olio for supper. Else it'll be Alfredo pasta. Or the worst - some Chinese-style fried noodles. It's like the chef closes his eyes, randomly picks out some ingredients, and then does a bad job frying it.

5. The end-of-the-month supper/feast of giant burgers and meat/seafood platters!

6. How everyone dreads to be food aboyeur cos he would have to wash the trolley during closing. But after some time figured that washing the trolley isn't too bad after all.

7. But the food aboyeur has to wipe the all cutleries.

8. And the times we all cheated in wiping the cutleries by simply putting them back into the drawers.

9. Our fair share of wrong orders.

10. Eating wrong order foods.

11. And also eating customers' left over foods.

12. Getting free drinks/ice-cream from the bartender too many a time which results in the managers banning us from consuming them. Especially mudpie and waffles!

13. I'm still wondering why they had vege lasagna and pork lasagna, but not beef lasagna. :(

14. For the guys, the cheap thrill we had by taunting the perverts in the gents. I'll never forget myself jumping/flying over the pervert and tackling him down!

15. Dinesh is still the servant. Could we call the waiter over please? :P

I guess work will never be the same again. Oh well. Best wishes to everyone. And may the Force be with you. :D

//

Truth to be told, work simply sucks ass now. Work is considered your second home, because that’s where you spend your day at. And I believe work should be fun and enjoyable. Especially when I switched over to full-time last October, I always looked forward to work because I could meet all my other work mates and we really had lots of fun working together. It may be a busy night, and everyone is tired, but we still look forward to the next day.

But now, it’s the opposite. When I wake up each morning, I’ll say to myself, ‘Oh damn, not another day at work! D:’ Haha. We just feel really very tired, overworked, and exhausted.

Currently I feel like a rebel because many other part-time staffs would also be resigning soon, at the end of May. And all for the same reasons. I believe the management are fully aware of the shortage of full-time and part-time staffs, they aren’t doing anything about it. Oh well.

Second pinch for 2010

2010-05-22T15:01:00.000+08:00

Saturday, May 15

Had a pinch while hopping up a 24" ledge. This is like the second pinch for this year. And just last week Bryan was telling me about how many pinch he had in a month, while I hadn't had any.

//

Sunday, May 16

Since I was working till closing, and that Matt has asked me out for a ride later at night, Bryan was kind enough to help me buy a tube; a 26" tube to be precise. Reason being that a 26" tube stretches lesser as compared to a 24" tube. I would then drop by his condo to collect it on my way home.

Spirit jailbreak

2010-05-22T15:00:00.000+08:00

Friday, May 14

Jailbroke Bryan's friend Joyce's iPod Touch (2nd gen 2.2.1) with Spirit. It's as fast as blackra1n.

//

As you all have already known, iPhone hacker comex released a new untethered jailbreak Spirit on May 2nd, for all generations of iPod Touch and iPhone running on OS 3.1.2 and 3.1.3, as well OS 3.2 for iPad wifi and iPad 3G.

Bloggers have criticized comex on releasing the jailbreak before the iPhone 4G launch or even the iPad's international launch. GreenPois0n and limera1n will most likely be able to jailbreak the iPhone 4G and iPhone OS 4.0, but if Apple fixes the userland issue before the end of May (the international iPad launch), users may not be able to jailbreak until the iPhone 4G is released (and consequently the jailbreaking tools).

2010-05-15T02:19:00.001+08:00

Thursday, May 13

Second set back for this week? It sounds like it, and I certainly hope not. Anyhow, I am prepared for whatever would be the outcome, and I have to accept it. After all, I did my very best. I can't control what people think or feel about me and the things I do.

But who knows what will happen in the future? Even if I can travel through time and space, and go into the future to see how it's like, the future isn't certain. Anything you do in the present changes the future. And then again nobody knows the future, though how much you do in the present to make it right. But who knows what would happen?

And thus I shall continue to wait and see what two years will bring. It's worth the wait, especially for you.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

2010-05-15T02:13:00.001+08:00

Thursday, May 13

Finally having my (long awaited) off today! Last night totally sucks ass at work. The only thing which kept me going at work since Monday was looking forward to watch Iron Man 2. Alone.

And I only found out last night that Ann was sick, so on my way home from work, I immediately went to buy a packet of dried crysanthemum flowers. Would be boiling a nice cup of crysanthemum tea for her.

Today is also the Accession of the Lord and my family would be attending mass at 8pm. But since I would be surprising her with the drink, I decided to attend mass at 6.30am instead. And there is always another day to watch the movie.

Anyhow, I didn't get a chance to pass the drink to her. But oh well. :S

Plan B

2010-05-15T02:02:00.000+08:00

Tuesday, May 11

Text my dad in the morning asking if I could still sign on in commando despite my "medical condition". He replied that I can sign on anytime and would like me to experience the first 6 months of how life is like in the military, and then make my decision. Sounds good.

//

So here's the back up plan:

1. I would be enlisted as a leg* and undergo 3 months of Basic Military Training.

2. I would work well and hard during BMT to be selected for Officer Candidate School, where I would undergo 9 months of training and be commissioned as an officer.
Posting to OCS is based on your performance during BMT and also based on your IQ tests and Situational Awareness tests.

3. If somehow I'm not selected for OCS, I would be posted to the School of Infantry Specialist (SISPEC) and undergo 8 weeks of Basic Specialist Leadership Course (BSLC) as a specialist cadet.
One SISPEC company has about 100 specialist cadets and about 3-5 would be selected for OCS. This is based purely on your leadership skills during BSLC.

However, it is not for certain that every company would select cadets for OCS. Dad was the officer commanding for one of the SISPEC companies and there were a few occassions where he simply didn't select anyone for OCS, cos they weren't good enough. But some companies' OC would select some cadets because "the other companies are also selecting some and therefore I must too." I said that is such a bad compromise of standards. Dad replied, 'that's why I say you don't know the SAF yet.'

4. After BSLC, you would get posted to your vocations: infantry, guards, armour, signals, intelligence, medic. Only infantry and guards would continue to stay in SISPEC for Advanced Specialist Leadership Course (ASLC), and after completion they would be promoted to a sergeant.
As for the other vocations, let's say your vocation is armour. You would undergo ASLC in your armour unit and after completion you would become an armour sergeant. Your unit will conduct the ASLC with respect to your vocation.
After ASLC, another 1-3 cadets would be selected for OCS, and again this is based purely on leadership skills.

5. My goal is to be posted to OCS and be commissioned as an officer. You have higher level of command and your pay is higher as compared to your mate who is a sergeant.

Me: 'If I don't get posted to OCS after BMT, it sounds really difficult knowing that only three out of a hundred gets selected for OSC after BSLC. But if I tell myself that I can do it, which I can, then it would be easy.'

Dad: 'Of course it's easy. It's very easy. You have the upperhand now because you are dedicated and motivated. Don't forget the rest of the people hate serving national service; they are doing everything half-heartedly and just waiting for the 2 years to go by so they can get out of it.'

6: During the duration of national service, the SAF would approach me on a few occassions asking if I want to sign on. And if after the first 6 months and I'm good with the SAF, then it's where I say, 'yes I want to sign on in the Special Forces'. A review would then be conducted. (Anyone who wants to sign on would be subjected to a review to see if you have what it takes to be a regular.)

7. There are only two ways to sign on in commando. The first is where you get enlisted directly into commando, and signing on from there is the easiest. The second is if you choose to sign on before you enlist, or during the course of your national service.

Given my situation now, I can choose to sign on right this moment. But I would still be rejected and turned down during the review, first due to my "medical condition", and second because I have no credibility.

But after the first six months, based on my good excellent performance, my commanding officer would recommend me (and put in some good words). I would have some credibility and they would definitely look into it during the review, despite me having the "medical condition".
After all, during then I am property of the SAF; and a soldier with such high motivation, dedication, leadership skills is definitely worth having.
I must also ensure that I don't break the record of 3 years with no recurring abdominal problems.

//

Until then, I'll continue on my running/fitness training. There is still hope!!! Now and throughout my enlistment, I would also like to believe that I am a ranger. A ranger is a soldier with high leadership skills, having completed a gruelling 65-day ranger course with only an average of 3-4 hours of sleep each day and continuous tabbing. Thank you dad for letting me read the book "No Excuse Ranger Leadership".

"A ranger never quits. Never tell a ranger what he cannot do, he'll only do it bigger, better, and with an on-going sense of interest."

* A leg refers to non-airborne capable soldiers who walk into the battle, thus legs.

I can do it, and I will do it. You guys just wait and see.

No go for commando selection

2010-05-15T02:01:00.000+08:00

Tuesday, May 11

My dad got back from Germany on Sunday night. It's where he would check with the people on the other side if I'm eligible for commando selection.
Well he woke me up at 2am, told me it was a no-go and apologised. Though there was nothing we could do about it, at least we had did our very best. My first reaction was to put myself into self-denial and cry bitterly. 6 months of effort and wait seem to go down the drain with a snap of the finger.

Remember I mentioned that the commando MO spoke to the medical board to seek its approval? The commando formation doctor even spoke on my behalf. However the civilians behind the posting decided that it would be a no, because my "medical condition" meets one of the criteria which prevents me from enlisting into commando. I DON'T HAVE A BLOODY MEDICAL CONDITION!!!!!

The army says yes, but the civilian says no. The civilians are afraid that if I were to die during training, then they would have to answer for it. So in order to safe their asses, they disapprove of me. Let me get this clear, I volunteered wholeheartedly to be enlisted into commando. Do you not think I'm unaware of the risks involved? You're damn right I know what it's like to die for your country. Do you?
Do you know how it feels when every year, one of your buddies die during training, and you attend their funeral? Buddies who training together with you, and trained under you.

Who am I fighting for? When we are under attack, I would be fighting and covering your sorry asses who rejected me. Oh the irony. This is the very reason why people (in the military) like my dad hate civilians who do such military planning, people who go by the book. Damn pencil pushers and desk drivers. Urgh.

It wasn't easy for me to accept this fact. But what choice do I have? Being pouty and sulky and crying over spilt milk won't do me any good. I can go on and continue to put myself into self-denial, but that would not change anything. I must embrace myself and accept it, wholeheartedly.

I'm confused

2010-05-15T02:00:00.000+08:00

Monday, May 10

I was at the lift lobby and there was "#14-402 O$P$", along with a contact number vandalised on the walls. I also saw my neighbour (living in unit 402) wearing a pair of gloves and cleaning her gate with turpentine, so I assume her gate got splashed.

The thing is, I live on the 13th storey, and 14th has no vandalism (I went up to check). I'm still confused. The loan shark must be either stupid or stupid. :P

2010-05-13T22:24:00.001+08:00

Well I haven't been updating my blog for almost 2 weeks now. This shows how tired I was from work. Anyhow I've just posted some posts about last week. This week's posts would be up either later tonight or tomorrow.

Bunnyhop dialed!

2010-05-13T22:12:00.002+08:00

Saturday, May 8

Bunnyhop to rear, 26" ledge. I could easily bunnyhop to rear on my shorter 24UK. And so with my inspired too! I feel so happy with this accomplishment. After a year of riding the inspired and with the constant procrastinating that I wouldn't be able to bunnyhop to rear as the bike feels long (10mm longer than my previous 24UK), I've finally proved myself wrong and in fact it's actually very easy.

Next goal, bunnyhop to rear a 30" ledge! And then followed by handlebar height. It's also high time I master the 180.

Ultimate fail

2010-05-13T22:03:00.001+08:00

Thursday, May 6

For a change I decided to eat the staff lunch today. Something which I have not been eating since January.
There was this fried dumpling with minced beef and pork in it, but the skin doesn't quite taste like a typical dumpling skin. But it was kinda nice, cos of the beef.

And after eating like 5 pieces, I ask the chef Ah Bao what was it excactly. He said eggplant. OMG! Oh my goodness gracious. I hate eggplants, they taste horrible. And to think that I was happily eating it. Oh man, it's like the ultimate fail of today, and probably for 2010.

It's so embarrassing, good thing no one there knows I dislike eggplant else they would laugh their heads off.

Ip Man 2

2010-05-13T22:02:00.001+08:00

Tuesday, May 4

Watched Ip Man 2 with Elwin and Weixiong. I had only watched Ip Man 1 a week ago too. Both movies were equally great, but I would say part 2 is more comical. Especially during the beginning scenes where Ip Man and his student Leung Sheung are fighting a large gang at the fish market, and with Chow Ching-chuen (te meanie from part 1 whom Ip Man defeated) came to their rescue with his own gang.

I have to say that the art of Wing Chun is really good - simultaneous attack and defense. Bruce Lee, one Ip Man's most prominent students, used Wing Chun as the main foundation in his own style of martial arts Jeet Kune Do.

When Ong Bak hit the cinemas, everyone wanted to learn Muay Thai. I see articles in the papers promoting self-defense classes and women taking up Muay Thai to keep fit and for self defense. And we would also see Ah Bengs at the playgrounds doing stupid kicks trying to be a Muay Thai fighter, but their kicks are wank. :P

Wing Chun may be one of the best martial arts. And Muay Thai may be one of the best style of kick-boxing. But I would have to say Krav Maga is still, and will always be the ultimate self-defense ever.
Muay Thai fighting is dangerous, but Krav Maga is lethal, because it has no rules. Now if you put a Muay Thai fighter together with a person trained in Krav Maga, Krav Maga will win.

It's also safe to know my dad taught me Krav Maga. ;)

Abdominal pains

2010-05-13T22:01:00.001+08:00

Monday, May 3

Just only an hour into my sleep, I woke up at 4am ish with a cramp on my left helmstring. I straightened my left leg and flexed it, hoping the cramp would go away soon so I could go back to sleep - I would be doing opening at work.

5am. The cramp seems to be subsiding. But something doesn't feel right. I started to feel really uncomfortable as if something inside my body is bothering me. I sat up and accessed the situation. I realised the cramp in my leg is gone but my old abdominal pains are back! So my body actually developed a cramp to wake me up and let me know about the abdominal pains.

Anyway this is bad, really bad. Going to CGH means that it could kill my chances for commando selection which I'm waiting for my dad to get back to me. It was because of this abdominal problem that I was graded as non-combat fit. Anyway, the pain was getting serious and I had no choice but to change up and take a cab down.

There were only 2 other patients at A&E, but I had to wait a little over an hour to see the doctor. During which I fell asleep and the pain subsided. -.-
I received an injection to take numb the pain, and had an x-ray. And guess what? The doc said it wasn't due to the old abdominal pain. I just had a simple case of constipation (though I have been passing motion normally everyday) because I haven't been eating much greens.

Okay that is really embarrassing to know that it was constipation. But nonetheless at least it was nothing to do with the old abdominal problem!!! The doc gave me MC for 2 days, and with my off on Wednesday, it means 3 straight days of off! Err I mean 3 straight days of rest. Got home and slept all way till dinner time, and then back to sleep again.

You give me the reason to walk the fire

2010-05-13T22:00:00.001+08:00

Monday, May 3

Any other guy would feel disappointed. But not me. If there is a need for me to be disappointed, then I would be just a tad disappointed.

It may not be the right time now, but perhaps it would be the right time after your studies, and I will wait for you. I am still thinking of you, and I will always be there for you. You give me the reason to walk the fire.

iPhone OS 4.0 release date

2010-05-02T15:21:00.001+08:00

To all those who keep asking me the release date of iPhone OS 4.0... The answer is I DONT KNOW AND PLEASE STOP ASKING ME!!! Oh wait, I sense the Force; it tells me perhaps it would be released on June 31st?

The jailbreak (untethered) for 3.1.3 has already been developed by geohot and he will only release it after Apple releases the new 4th generation iPhone (OS 4.0). Reason being the hackers assume the expolit found on 3.1.3 would be carried forward to 4.0. If they release the jailbreak now, before 4.0 is released, then Apple will patch it up on the 4.0.

So just quit it and please stop asking me. It wouldn't make them release the jailbreak anytime soon. Patience is the order of the day.

P.S.
June 31st doesn't exist. :P

Sent from my iPhone

2010-04-30T15:57:00.001+08:00

Can you believe it's 35deg C now? No wonder I almost burned myself out while running at 1pm earlier. Tan well topped up. :P

Yet another good day to ride. On my way to work now. Not quite looking forward to it.

Sent from my iPhone

So how do you teleport?

2010-04-29T17:19:00.002+08:00

At the hospital visiting grandma now.

Oh before I forget, yesterday in the car after lunch, I asked my mum and sis about the teleport question (I actually made that question up last year)

My mum asked what was teleport, and my sis went on to say that "teleport is where you could go to anywhere you want." Mum then asked, "so how do you teleport?" WIN.
And we certainly laughed our heads off. :P

Sent from my iPhone

2010-04-29T15:37:00.000+08:00

Finally arrived. Will blog more on the contents later.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

2010-04-29T15:35:00.000+08:00

Wednesday, April 28

Had lunch with my family at Bukit Timah Pasta Fresca. At first I was wondering what was the occassion, turns out we had a voucher that was expiring soon.
Lunch was followed by an ice-cream snack at Island Creamery. I was so full I had to push my dinner back to 11pm. Decided to have Macky D's.

Usually I would ride to Rivervale Plaza since it's 24-hour, but since I was alone, I rode to Anchorvale CC instead. It's more secluded and quiet with no Ah Bengs. Not that they bother me, but they simply irk me.
Anchorvale Macky D's close at 11pm but they got a 24-hour drive tru. And yes I ordered my dinner on my bike, via drive tru. The drivers behind me must had found it hilarious.

Anyway, I then poceeded down to this new park between Anchorvale and Fernvale to have my dinner. There was this really cool drop-off ledge which varies in height from 22" to 27". I guess I found my new riding spot for 2010. It's high time I start improving on my pedal hops and bunnyhops!
I played for a while before eating, and just as I was about to take a mouthful off the double quarter pounder, the lights of the lamposts went off one by one. It wasn't scary, but it was kinda cool!

Regarding the bunnyhops, I haven't been riding to my potential ever since I got the Inspired. Yes the Inspired is a tad longer as compared to my previous 24UK, which I can easily bunnyhop to rear a 26" ledge. But with the longer Inspired, it felt so weird, and so I didn't bother to practise bunnyhop. However, tonight I decided to give it a try. I found that it was just a matter of getting used to, and it wasn't as difficult as I thought.

""Do or do not. There is no try."
- Jedi Master Yoda

Kick-Ass

2010-04-29T12:10:00.001+08:00

Tuesday, April 27

Met up with Ann after her school. We had dinner at Centrepoint Aston's; shared the ieat super burger and beer battered fish. And then proceeded to watch Kick-Ass. The dinner was absolutely definitely great! And the movie was err pretty cool apart from the sex references. Now you know why it's rated M18, besides the violence.

"Everyone wanted to be a superhero in some point in their lives." I grew up watching Spider-Man and Iron Man cartoons, and also reading Spider-Man comics. Sadly I never read any Iron Man comic before. And yes, I did want to be a superhero when I was young.
I figured that being Iron Man was near impossible - where and how could you ever get that armour? However, I could be Spider-Man! Wait, you got to be bitten by a radioactive spider to be Spider-Man. And that's highly unlikely, though highly unlikely is still likely with a very slim chance! Lol.
So I can't be Iron Man or Spider-Man. But I could always be all that you can be, more than ever, a Jedi!!! Especially since I grew up watching the original Star Wars trilogy. Oh yes, I like Deadpool too, he talks ALOT.

Oh I was all prepared and ready to use my Jedi mind trick but I didn't get a chance to use it. Also felt like a spy like Jason Bourne. Anyhow... Back to the Kick-Ass movie. I've been wanting to watch it ever since I saw the trailer in January! Especially since it stars Nicholas Cage, and we all know Nicholas Cage only acts in good movies. Ok I hate to spoil this but Nicholas Cage's character, Big Daddy, dies towards the end of the movie.
If you have noticed the trend, Nicholas Cage seems to die in most of his latest movies. He was shot and died in Windtalkers, sacrificed and burned to death in the remake of The Wickerman, sacrificed and shot himself in the remake of Bangkok Dangerous. Cage's latest movie is The Sorcerer's Apprentice, and I hope he doesn't die in that movie. :/ Not to mention that the third installment of National Treasure would be released in 2011. ;)

Ok, I forgot I was to talk about the movie, not Nicholas Cage. It is nice to see the characters using Apple products; Kick-Ass use the black Macbook, along with his mates, Big Daddy uses either the iMac or Apple cinema display, Red Mist uses the iPhone. The duration of the movie is 2 hours, similar to Watchmen, another superhero movie.
Here's another spoiler. The part where Hit Girl goes to rescue Big Daddy and Kick-Ass, she uses NVG and doesn't it look like you're playing Rainbow Six? I also like the part where she attaches the flashlight to her pistol to stun/blind the bad guys. And the part where she reloads her pistol by throwing up the magazines and inserting them in mid-air, was inspired from Agent Zero in X-Men Origins (Wolverine).

I certainly had a great time with the lady and gave her this very cute Pooky plushie! (which I ordered from Amazon) Really glad that she liked it. In case you're wondering why Pooky, well, it's a long story, but a good one. Maybe next time! :P

4 days off

2010-04-29T12:05:00.001+08:00

Took 4 days off from work, from Monday to Thursday. I have accumulated 4 days of annual leave and I figured I should just claim all of it now. Finally being able to have my long awaited break! I initially wanted to take 2 whole weeks off, but my manager asked me to work from Friday to Sunday. I agreed, though quite reluctantly. But since Saturday is Labour Day, I could claim an extra PH. :P
Also, it isn't too bad since my best work mates Nina and Jana are also working over the weekend! Ann had stopped working since 2 weeks ago and work is never as fun without her around.

I should be off the whole of the following week too. 2 months back I mention to my best work mates that I would very much like to live a "slack kampung" livestyle. A typical day is like heading down to the beach, lying down on my hammock, and reading some books. It would really rock if I have a bike. Like a Ducati. So I could also drop by and slack at Tom's place.

Anyway, my two best scout mates Jordan and Ken have been asking me out many times for a camp over in Ubin, but had to turn them down due to work. Well guys, the following Friday, to Ubin we shall camp! :D
I wonder if we would be killing any frogs like the last time... *makes a mental note to source for a biscuit tin so I can make my biscuit tin oven for the chicken. I thought that idea up, cool right! The chicken cooks in just under 20 minutes compared to an hour roasting over open fire. Apart from the short cooking time, all the juices are locked in the tin, which makes the chicken really juicy!

Dad's 54th birthday

2010-04-29T12:00:00.004+08:00

Sunday, April 25

Celebrated dad's 54th birthday with buffet lunch at this really good German restaurant by Millenia Walk. Did I mention there's a free flow of hefeweizen beer? :P

I sure had good time stuffing down with bacon, sausages, black forest cake, and apple strudel! Yummy x 1000000.

Bone tired from work

2010-04-22T17:18:00.001+08:00

Just woke up from my nap. Riding session lasted only 15 minutes. Nonetheless it was great. I haven't really ridden my bike in weeks.

For the past 2 months I've been feeling rather exhausted from work. Though only Fridays and Saturdays are busy as hell, it was still demanding, wearing me out physically. I can say I am quite mentally strong, but it started to get really bad. Last Tuesday during my split shift, I started to show signs of exhaustion, and my body developed a fever. I had to excuse myself from work at 7pm. I wanted to continue as it was only 4 more hours till work end, but my friends told me to stop pressing on and just go home and rest.

When I got home from work on Monday night, I found myself sitting on the toilet bowl for close to half hour, body feverish and breaking out in cold sweat. I was so tired I practically stoned in the bathroom. Of course I managed to get over and take control of myself, washed my work clothes and showered. Went to see the doctor the next day and he gave me 2 days of MC. Thank goodness today is my off so I rested for 3 days. However, it is not enough.

Yesterday was the 21st, which is the start of the work month for the restaurant. It's also where I switch back to part-time till June. However they are so short of staffs, my manager asked me to hold it out for another month. All I can say now is, "I'm just bone tired, and I would very much like a short break. 2 weeks off would be excellent."

Anyhow, I'll be off to visit my grandma now.

2010-04-22T14:31:00.000+08:00

Out for lunch and a short riding session like now. My next post (which I've been holding back for a month now) is on my quite "over" themed iPhone! That's if time permits. :P

Wacom Bamboo Touch

2010-04-22T14:22:00.002+08:00

Purchased the Wacom Bamboo Touch from Amazon (via vPOST) for only USD44. The Wacom site sells it for USD49.99. Including the postage back here, it's only SGD85. Definitely well worth it as it costs SGD129 here.

Now I can use my iMac like my MBP trackpad! Two-finger scrolling, pinch, double-tap for control-click. The Bamboo Touch definitely rocks. The only downside is that it doesn't support 4-finger swipe for expose, but the four short-cut keys make up for it.

I find that the touch pad is quite comfortable as I don't have to move my hand all over with the mouse. And we all know that Apple's Mighty Mouse scroll ball can be a pain to scroll at times. I was deciding between the Bamboo Touch and Apple's new Magic Mouse. But the Bamboo Touch is a clear winner.

"Lord Vader, the landing pad is secured."

2010-04-19T03:50:00.001+08:00

A friend once asked me if I believed in fate. I replied, yes to a certain extend. Fate somewhat exist only if you look back and reflect on your life experiences.

Have you ever liked someone, but thought to yourself that you would never be able to date him/her, as he/she wouldn't go out with someone like you? And deep down inside you still had feelings for him/her, but you're just too shy and afraid to show it.

You then meet someone nice by chance, and thought that he/she might be that special someone? But turns out that both of you aren't meant to be. Besides, who wouldn't like someone who is nice.

You get back on track, with the help of your friend (from the above paragraph). You start to like him/her even more, and over time find out more about each other. The many things you two have in common. There is just so much to talk about. Both of you also go out together on a few occassions.

Today. Tonight. You feel bothered. By the guilt because she might think of you in a negative manner, that you are using her as a rebound, where actually your feelings are true. You also regret being such a coward, a whimp, too shy and afraid to make any move. Because if you had at first, then the guilt wouldn't exist.

But. You look back now. If you have never met X, do you think you would had gotten closer to Y? All the endless topics to talk about. The many things you two have in common. And the fun you two had while going out together.

Thus I say, it's fated to have met X, who in turn brought you and Y closer together. No point feeling the guilt and regret because what's done is done. You got to have the strength to get yourself over, and also the strength to get over yourself.

And so I pray to the Lord to give me the strength to get by each day without being haunted by my guilt and regret, and that all would be well and good.

Compliment

2010-04-19T03:44:00.002+08:00

Come April 24th (that's in 5 days), I would have worked in NYNY for a year. Tonight I got my (very) first compliment from a customer. They were two caucasian guys and they said I was very good, and have a really good sense of humour. Funny how it seems as receiving a compliment was the last thing I ever expected of all the nights. MLIA.

Testing

2010-04-19T01:44:00.001+08:00

From my BlogPress app for iPhone (not the Lite version).

iPhone OS 4.0 beta

2010-04-14T17:10:00.000+08:00

Link

It seems that the iPhone OS 4.0 (beta) is out for developers to develop apps for the upcoming OS 4.0. From the above link, OS 4.0 includes folders and multi-tasking.

Remember this post?
I've already been using Categories and ProSwitcher from Cydia since months back.
Categories is where you can categorise your apps into folders, so you could put all your game apps into a games folder. This keeps everything neat, and minimise the number of icons on your SpringBoard.
ProSwitcher is of course switching between running apps, which is multi-tasking. Let's say you're on Facebook and would like to check your Mail, you hit the home button to close Facebook and go to Mail. However, hitting the home button will exit the Facebook app too. With ProSwitcher, I just have to double-tap on my status bar (depends on how you set it) to activate ProSwitcher. The Facebook app will then be backgrounded and it'll remain at where you left off.

As I have mentioned, I've been enjoying what jailbreak can provide for what the iPhone OS doesn't. Something the iPhone OS doesn't have, the hackers will come out with it.

This accessory is not meant to work with iPhone

2010-04-14T17:05:00.000+08:00

Sunday, April 11

During closing at work, I was on my iPhone and this message keeps apprearing, "This accessory is not meant to work with iPhone". I thought it was some glitch so I respring-ed and rebooted my iPhone. The message is still appearing, and it is really annoying too. I didn't manage to take a screenie.

Consulted google and it seems that the above message only appears if moisture has gotten into your iPhone. I looked at my dock connector pin and noticed that the small white thingy has turned pink. It is solid prove that moisture has indeed entered my iPhone! :O :(
This somewhat mean that the warranty is voided? Shall call Apple and find out.

Fortunately my iPhone is still working good, and the message has gone away by the time I reached home. What a close shave! The moisture most prolly came from the perspiration (from my thigh) and seeped through the jeans. It could get stuffy at work when the restaurant is filled with customers, and there would be a fine layer of water vapour on my iPhone screen when I remove it from my pocket.

Once bitten, twice shy. I've since put my iPhone into a waterproof pouch.

The Lovely Bones

2010-04-14T17:00:00.000+08:00

Wednesday, March 31

Met up with Ann for Tori Q lunch and then watched The Lovely Bones together.

Based on an award-winning and best-selling 2002 novel by Alice Sebold, and directed by Peter Jackson; The Lovely Bones tells a story of a girl who was raped and murdered. She then watches over her family and her murderer from a "fantasy" world in between heaven and earth, and must choose between avenging herself or watching over her family.

I would say the movie has an interesting storyline, and it sure got me thinking/wondering of what would happen to those around me I were to (suddenly) die one day. Ok, that is alot of thinking, as usual.

Friday, April 9, 2010

2010-04-10T00:47:00.001+08:00

Finally home! After a full day at work from 1100-2300, not to mention it's a typical busy Friday night.

There is just so much more to blog about later tonight!! Regarding the past two weeks. Work has got me really tired for the past month and I dont even have the time to blog.

And I am so looking forward to tomorrow!!! :D

Sent from my iPhone

100% Brumotti - Mountain Bike Freestyle

2010-04-01T17:05:00.000+08:00

Yet another video of the month for March 2010! Brumotti, an old school biketrial rider, riding some of the most scariest rail lines. And yes, he is sponsored by Emporio Armani, given Brumotti himself is an Italian. I like the vest he wears while riding, that's really cool.

Danny MacAskill filming in Chamonix for "Perfect Moment - Instant"

2010-04-01T17:00:00.002+08:00

Video of the month for March 2010. Danny Mac does it again!

March split-shift madness

2010-04-01T13:45:00.001+08:00

Why I have not been blogging regularly for the past few weeks? Here's why:

Week 1
Monday, March 8: 1100-1600, 1800-2300
Tuesday, March 9: 1800-2300
Wednesday, March 10: Off
Thursday, March 11: 1200-2300
Friday, March 12: 1100-1500, 1800-0100
Saturday, March 13: 1500-2400
Sunday, March 14: 1100-1600, 1800-2300

Week 2
Monday, March 15: 1100-1500, 1800-2300
Tuesday, March 16: 1100-1500, 1800-2300
Wednesday, March 17: Off
Thursday, March 18: PH
Friday, March 19: 1200-1500, 1800-2300
Saturday, March 20: 1100-1500, 1800-2300
Sunday, March 21:1100-1500, 1800-2300

Week 3:
Monday, March 22: 1100-1500, 1800-2300
Tuesday, March 23: 1100-1600, 1800-2300
Wednesday, March 24: Off
Thursday, March 25: 1100-1500, 1800-2300
Friday, March 26: 1800-2300
Saturday, March 27: 1100-1600, 1800-2300
Sunday, March 28: 1800-2300

Week 4
Monday, March 29: 1800-2300
Tuesday, March 30: 1100-1500, 1800-2300
Wednesday, March 31: Off
Thursday, April 1: 1500-2300
Friday, April 2: 1800-2300
Saturday, April 3: 1100-2300
Sunday, April 4: 1100-1500, 1800-2300

That is really a lot of split-shifts this month, and it's taking a toll on myself. In fact last Saturday March 27, during my 2-hour split-shift, I was quite physically exhausted that I had thoughts about telling the manager to let me off for the evening so I could go home and rest. But if I went home early, my dad will ask me about it, and if he knows I give up just like that, he would laugh at me. And so I continued working.

If you give up now, you'll never know what you are capable of achieving. It's all mind over matter. And this work is nothing compared to going for Ranger course. And I would very much want to go for the Ranger course. So no, I'll never quit.

Friday, March 26, 2010

2010-03-27T01:00:00.000+08:00

Had lunch with Ann before work, at the Bratwurst Shop (Plaza Singapura). And lunch was great! :D

//

Just as I was about to leave home, I couldn't find my wallet. I hung my jeans by my room window the night before, with everything in the pockets, save for my iPhone. Before I went for my run at noon, I closed my bedroom window, and noticed my jeans were crumpled. Though it doesn't give the jeans any creases, but being a neat freak that I am, I decided to give it a tug gave my jeans a tug to straighten it. My wallet fell out and landed on the floor, which I placed "somewhere" in my room. However, I just can't seem to recall where I put it. I searched everywhere, including the fridge. Yes, the fridge. Just to be doubly sure. You never know where you sub-conscious mind will do.
All my drawers are well organized and after 10 minutes of searching them, I called my dad (who was at some shooting range when he answered) and asked if he happened to see it somewhere before he left for work. He told me to take a cup of water, relax, deep breaths, and clear my mind. It worked because the next thing I did was to lift up the display box when I assembled earlier. And guess what was under the display box? -.-

Fortunately I wasn't late for the above lunch. :S

Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief

2010-03-24T03:19:00.000+08:00

Wednesday, March 10

When I came across the trailer for Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief at Apple.com/trailers in January, I knew I just had to watch it. Arranged to watch it with Ann when it opens but due to time constraints, we missed out on the first 3 weeks. We did manage to watch it eventually.

We had Subway for lunch and Ann placed her order first. As the saying goes, ladies first. This is where I was surprised. Very very surprised/awed. Ann ordered a meatball sub on a hearty Italian bread with chipotle sauce, and white chip macadamia cookies. I ALWAYS have that EXACT SAME combination whenever I have Subway. Just how cool is that!!! 2 years back I always have the Italian BMT but have since switched to meatball.

Alright back to the movie. Percy Jackson was great! The storyline was superb, especially the comical moments. I am so looking forward to the next sequel, The Sea of Monsters! And I guess I would have to buy the Percy Jackson & the Olympians book series too.

Some food for thought:
Given that the Greek mythology existed in the story, how come Medusa is still alive, when she was killed by Hercules? Hmmm...

Star Wars DL-44 heavy blaster pistol

2010-03-24T02:33:00.003+08:00

A month back I was browsing the web on Star Wars t-shirts, and came across photos of celebrities donning Star Wars apparel. Such celebrities include Megan Fox and Ewan McGregor. McGregor, who protrayed the Jedi Master Obi-Wan in Star Wars Episodes I - III, was wearing this really cool belt buckle which caught my attention.

That particular belt buckle is none other than the DL-44 heavy blaster pistol, which Han Solo uses in the original Trilogy. Han Solo removed the barrel-sight to facilitate his fast-draw. As with the design of Darth Vader's helmet being inspired by the German WWII helmet, the DL-44 heavy blaster pistol was inspired by the German Mauser C96 pistol. It kinda looks like the Luger too.

Anyhow, I bought the belt buckle from Amazon and I'm really proud to wear it out. Even at work.

P.S.
Yes, I am wearing a pair of pinkish-red trousers, and it's Levi's 523 jeans.
Tom said it was geek+gay.
Not to mention the amount of stares I get from everyone.

Star Wars Imperial Shock Trooper by Sideshow Collectibles

2010-03-24T02:33:00.001+08:00

Bought this really cool 12'' Star Wars Imperial Shock Trooper figure by Sideshow Collectibles from Amazon too. Sideshow Collectibles have a really high reputation for detail collectible figures. Since secondary school, I've always wanted a nice Sideshow 12'' action figure to display on my shelf or desk. Back then I wanted Jason Voorhees from Friday the 13th and the Symbiote Spider-Man.

P.S.
I wanted to get the Imperial Stormtrooper at first, but figured that the Imperial Shock Trooper is way cooler, especially the paint job, and it's only limited to 2500 pieces.

Shipping with vPOST

2010-03-24T02:21:00.000+08:00

Ever fancy purchasing a product online, for example Amazon or eBay, and only to realise that it could only be shipped within US or Europe? Well, vPOST is the answer. Your items would be shipped to your vPOST USA/Europe address; processed, matched, and consolidated; and then vPOST will ship it back to Singapore.

It took approximately 4 working days for my Amazon orders to reach my vPOST USA address. 3 out of the 4 items have been processed and matched, and I decided to view the tracking details for the sake of viewing them. Turns out they were already shipped back here in Singapore, even though I have not paid for the postage yet. I was still waiting for the last item to be processed and then consolidate all the 4 items together into a single bill/shipment.

Anyhow, it only took a total of 9 days for my orders to be delivered to my home address. That's reasonably fast, and the vPOST postage at SGD55 for 4 items was fairly reasonable too, given that the base charge is already at SGD13.40.

Items I ordered from Amazon for the month of March 2010:

Mechanix Original gloves (2 pairs)
Lego Star Wars Stormtroopers set
Star Wars Han Solo pistol belt buckle
Star Wars Imperial Shock Trooper by Sideshow Collectibles

I would be purchasing more online items next week:

Wacom Bamboo Touch (Amazon)
Secret items :P (Amazon)
Adidas Superskate Mid shoe (eBay)

The eBay seller for the Adidas shoe offers international shipping to Singapore at USD30.35. But no thanks. I would have it shipped for free to my vPOST USA address and then vPOST it back along with the Bamboo Touch and the secret items (both can only be shipped within US). It would be very much cheaper in this way.

MacBook Pro 15''

2010-03-24T01:40:00.002+08:00

And so two weeks ago we bought the 15'' MBP at student price under my sister's name. It is actually for my dad for his new job. When he retires next month ish, he would be working for his friend Richard. Uncle Richard was also a former commando regular who retired years earlier. He founded his own company dealing with military and law enforcement weapons and equipments.

24'' iMac with 15'' MBP - feel the Force! :P

Daily running training

2010-03-12T09:00:00.000+08:00

I used to run like once a fortnight. Since the visit to Hendon Camp 3 weeks ago, I have been running everyday; to Punggol End and back. That's 6km ish in 40 minutes. Running Punggol End is really good cos of all the steep up and down slopes; it gives you the extra challenge. And I only run during the day so I can top up my tan as well. :P Taking advantage of the super hot weather over the past weeks - it was 35degC! The running would be concluded with a short session of pull-ups, push-ups, crunches, etc.

Getting into commando means everything to me, even if it's just for the 2-year NSF. And the best I can do now is to run at least 6km everyday. It might be easy to pass selection and earn a slot into the unit, but it isn't easy staying. There isn't really much of a fitness test once you're in it. The day you can't perform your job, then it's time for you to leave. Fitness has to be maintained.

And the funny thing is that since last month, I've been having either Burger King or Carl's Jr for lunch. It would seem that all the running is being put to waste; calories from the fast food replaces the ones burnt from running. But I only run to keep myself ultra-fit, not to loose weight. Regardless, I shall start on a quite healthy diet soon. Speaking in terms of sandwiches; peanut butter, pepperoni, ham, etc. My very own subway. :P

Anyway, last night I decided to run along the Punggol LRT track. I hardly ever run at night, and this one was so effortless! I felt possessed and could run forever. I took only 24minutes. Yet to calculate the distance though.

And all these running doesn't tire me. It actually got me hyped and energetic during work, which is good. Soon I'll increase my running distance.

2010-03-08T04:48:00.002+08:00

Just helped my friend on her assignment. Would be turning in now.

This weekend was really hectic-busy at work, but it did not suck ass. :P On the contuary, I was rather hyped. Will blog more on that soon.

My shift would be from 11AM-11PM with 2-hour split shift. Would be having Macky D's sausage egg mcmuffin (or whatever it's called) for breakfast and then lunch at Carl's Jr! I am already feeling hungry now.

Good night/morning!

Sent from my iPhone

Say hello to...

2010-03-07T22:40:00.002+08:00

Sent from my iPhone

PogoPlank

2010-03-04T15:28:00.001+08:00

Here is my iPhone SpringBoard running on PogoPlank. PogoPlank costs $1.99 on Cydia, but I got the cracked version from the BeYouriPhone repository. Since my PogoPlank is cracked, Cydia doesn't recognize it being the official version, and it prevents me from downloading PogoPlank themes. (Themes are free)

I managed to find this very very cool PogoPlank theme off the web, and SSH'ed it into my iPhone. If I can remember correctly the directory is Library/PogoPlank/Themes. The theme is called Pogolio and there are two variants: white and black.

PogoPlank works by categorising all your app icons into folders. And these folders are placed on a scroll wheel. This reduces EVERYTHING into just one page on SpringBoard. Or rather everything is in the home page. The only icons which show are those on the dock. I am using the 5-icon dock with the essential apps.

Currently I have 10 folders: Entertainment, Games, Information, Internet, Jailbreak, Media, Navigation, Producitvity, Store, Utilities.
You could scroll the folders in both directions, and the scrolling is very smooth without any lag.

PogoPlank does have it's flaws. If you press the home button to launch Spotlight, only the keyboard shows, but not the search bar. In short, PogoPlank disables Spotlight. My guess is that it has something to do with the scroll wheel - the other half of it is hidden and that pushes the Spotlight page away.
Especially to Mac users, where Spotight is an essential tool to have - searches almost anything on your Mac/iPhone.

However, there is a way to launch Spotlight on PogoPlank, via Kirikae task switcher/launcher. You can download Kirikae for free on Cydia. Set Kirikae to only show Spotlight when activated.
Through Activator, I set Kirikae to launch by holding on the status bar. And there you have it, Spotlight! This method is better because you could access Spotlight on any app that has the status bar showing.

Double-tapping of my status bar launches ProSwitcher.

Sent from my iPhone

Bad time management

2010-03-01T17:50:00.005+08:00

My work started at 5pm, and I reached at 4.57pm. My manager said I was 5min late. My watch is sync'ed to my iPhone (Apple time). And both the computer terminals at work also shows the same time on my iPhone (actually I set them to the time on my iPhone last month).

I said firmly, no I am not, and told her to look at the terminal time. She couldn't say anything after that. Her watch is 25min fast, which she is aware of, but claims that it's only 15min fast. I told her to correct her time.

What kind of time management is that? Honestly no offence to you, and none taken, but how in the fuck can you tell someone they are late, when you don't even know the correct time?

2010-03-01T03:45:00.002+08:00

Finally home. Gonna take a nice cold shower and then I'll hit the bed. Will wash my work clothes when I wake up. What a fuck up earlier.

Sent from my iPhone

Inventoring is charlie foxtrot

2010-03-01T02:19:00.003+08:00

It's the monthly month-end inventorying again. First, the staffs and supervisors would count the items in their respective list. The managers would then double-check it, before passing to the outlet manager, who will enter all the data into Excel.

It's 1.42am now. I completed my list at 12.30am. 1.5 hours later, and the managers are still double-checking our lists and faulting it. I counted the items right.
For example, Meji fresh milk is 1 carton X 6 bottles, the stated quantity is by the carton, and if there are only 3 bottles of milk left, I'll write 0.5. They said it's wrong, until either checking it for themselves, or looking at the stated quantity.

Amongst everyone, my education is the highest. I got A for Engineering Math, and B3 for O Level English. I speak and read English far better than everyone there. Are you trying to say I can't read or count simply?

Another reason for the fuck up, was that while we were busy counting, the managers who were supposed to be supervising and helping out (as ordered by the outlet manager), were busy playing pool. It was only later that the outlet manager reprimanded them - she didn't do anything at first as she wanted to observe and see how they took charge. IMO, during the inventorying, the managers were being self-centered, irresponsible, and have zero sense of time management. In short, no leadership skills. If there is one character I hate the most, it is not having decent leadership skills.

I have done the inventory 4 times, and usually by this time, I would be untying my shoe laces and entering my house. By 2.30am, I would have finished washing my work clothes and have a nice cold shower. How I rate this situation now? Cluster fuck. SNAFU.

Sent from my iPhone

SAF Career Seminar

2010-02-28T01:00:00.000+08:00

Wednesday, February 24

11AM-11PM with 2-hour split shift. And I had already decided yesterday that I'll have Carl's Jr for lunch. Whenever I am feeling hungry, which I always am, I will always make a decision on what to have for the next day's lunch.
Entered Marina Square and I saw there would be the SAF Career Seminar held there. It starts on the next day (Thursday). I just have to drop by and visit the commando booth, which means most prolly I'll have Carl's Jr for lunch again.

//

Thursday, February 25

11AM-11PM with 2-hour split shift like yesterday, and had Carl's Jr for lunch again. While entering Marina Sq, I bumped into my primary/secondary school mate Daniel Kang. No, we aren't related, perhaps distant distant cousins.

Since I had to pass the career exhibition on the way to Carl's Jr, I decided to drop by the commando booth first. Talked to this Master Sergeant about signing on. He went on and explained to me the details, like if I were to be enlisted to another vocation like infantry or guards, I would have to serve for at least 8 months before volunteering to sign on in commando. Of course I would have to go for the special forces selection. The other way is to be enlisted into commando and sign on from there. The latter is what the commandos call "pure breed".

I then introuced myself. He was very surprised and told the other Master Sergeant beside him. He asked, why don't you ask you dad about signing on? I told him dad wasn't keen on me signing on.
Anyway, the other MSG had a beer belly. When I got home, I told dad about him.

Me: Actually it doesn't matter if he has a beer belly right? I mean, if he can do the job, who cares if he is fat?

Dad: Nobody cares if he can do 1000 push ups or 1000 sit ups in one minute. What will people think when they see him? A fatty. First impression counts. I wonder why they even put him there to represent us. Spoiling our image. Will you be going back there again?

Me: I will be, I want to take some photos of myself holding the weapons.

Dad: Ok. When you drop by, tell him this, "My daddy says you are fat".

Me: What?! What if he knock the shit out of me when I enlist?He'll make me do push ups until he is tired.

Dad: Well, just say it's me who say it.

Me: Err, okayyy.

//

Saturday, February 27

11AM-11PM with 2-hour split shift, again. And yes, I had Carl's Jr for lunch. Jeremy accompanied me and we took some photos of ourselves holding the weapons.

Me holding the MP5SD. It has an integrated silencer. The first weapon I ever fired was the MP5, and I was only 12 years old. Cool right! Not live rounds, but those plastic ones.

After that, I couldn't help but notice this Master Warrant Officer. I am damn sure I saw him before, so I went up to him and I introduced myself.

Me: Hi sir, you look really familiar. I am very sure I've seen you before. (introduced myself)

MWO Foo: Ahaha. You really resemble your dad by the way you approached and speak to me. So will you be signing on in the commando?

Me: I want to, but my dad wants me to be a pilot.

MWO Foo: Hahahahaha. Really? Let me call him now! (jokingly)

Me: Actually I'm still not sure if I want to sign on or not.

MWO Foo: Ask yourself why you want to sign on. Maybe you want to be like your dad? Or you want to be even better than him? Touch your heart and ask yourself if you want to be a pilot or a commando. Once you know what you want to be, then go for it all the way.

Hmm. Lots of consideration to be done about being a commando regular...

P.S.
Master Sergeant Fatty wasn't there on Saturday.

Sent from my iPhone

2010-02-26T20:08:00.000+08:00

I can't help but take this pic. :P

This would be great for my iPhone wallpaper. I don't think this photo is good enough. I'll take a better one perhaps on Sunday morning.

Lego Star Wars Snowtrooper Battle Pack

2010-02-26T20:03:00.000+08:00

This box set is cheaper than one Lego Snowtrooper figure and one Lego AT-AT Driver figure combined. I don't like the Imperial officer (guy in grey helmet).

Lego Star Wars Clone Troopers Battle Pack

2010-02-26T20:01:00.001+08:00

I actually bought this just for the Lego Clone Trooper figures. Believe it or not, this box set (containing 4 Lego Clone Trooper figures), costs $5 cheaper than a set of 3 individual Lego Clone Trooper figures.

Pes B

2010-02-26T14:55:00.004+08:00

Wednesday, February 24

The MO at CMPB upgraded my Pes status from C to B! On the spot. Hoorah!

MO: I have the authority to change your Pes status, and I am aware that this is your second appeal. Since you have a memo stating you are fit for all vocations, and I can see you have shown a lot of interest, I'll upgrade your Pes status to B. This is the best I can do. Any motive on why you want to be combat fit?

Me: I would like to be enlisted into commando. My dad is a commando regular and I want to be like him.

MO: I undersand. That's very inspiring. Congratulations Vinson, you got what you wanted.

Pes A and B are both being medically fit, but if you have a history of a medical condition (like of you had fractured your bone before), you would be graded B. Usually guys would try their best to get themselves downgraded. They are not only slackers, but wimps.

Next stop, commando selection. And after that, AIRBORNE!

iPod - iPhone servicing

2010-02-26T14:45:00.003+08:00

First row, from left:
iPod Nano 2nd gen, iPod (video) 5th gen, iPod Touch 1st gen (untethered jailbreak), iPod Touch 3rd gen (tethered jailbreak)

Second row, from left: (all mine)
iPhone 3GS, iPod Nano 3rd gen, iPod Shuffle 2nd gen.

Not in picture:
Sis' iPod (video) 5th gen, mum's iPod Shuffle 2nd gen.

:P

//

I'm helping my friends on an "iPod make-over". Battery replacement, jailbreaking, etc.

If you have an iPod (video) 5th gen and are experiencing battery problems, I could help you on the battery replacement.

Also, if you have an iPhone 2G/3G/3GS or iPod Touch 1G/2G/3G and still running on OS 3.1.2,
or the iPhone 2G/3G or iPod Touch 1G/2G running on the latest OS 3.1.3,
I could help you to jailbreak it.

If, by any bad luck, you messed around with OpenSSH and got infected with the ikee iPhone worm; it turns your wallpaper into one with Rick Astley, I can help you remove it too.

But of course all for a small charge. If you are interested, do feel free to contact me, Vince @ 977 666 02. (:

Why you should jailbreak your iPhone

2010-02-26T14:40:00.002+08:00

I am sure people actually read my blog, especially my close friends, as well as passerbys. One passerby even enquired on my post regarding iBlank (iPhone jailbreak app). This post is for the iPhone users, but non-iPhone users can read this too. (: You may find this very useful should you get an iPhone one day.posts on jailbreak. The jailbroken iPhone is way forward. I have had some friends who purchased the iPhone, and I'll strongly encourage them to jailbreak. ALL of them tell me, according to what they heard from their friends: jailbreaking your iPhone will cause several "problems", like restrictions in the functionility, viruses, etc.

Those "restrictive problems" which comes about after jailbreaking, is a whole lot of utter rubbish. Firstly, their friends do not use the iPhone. Second, even if their friends are indeed iPhone users, and if they did jailbreak it, then I wonder where and how those restrictive problems come about. The only restriction for your iPhone is not jailbreaking it.

Those friends are just like the typical people who always say, 'Mac is so difficult to use.'
When we bought the iMac in March last year, mum said, 'My friend said Mac is very difficult to use.'
I replied, 'Has your friend even used a Mac before?'
Her reply was no.
Don't comment about the product's functionality if you have never used it before.

Functionality
I jailbroke my iPhone less than a week after I purchased it, and never looked back. In fact, I got bored of my iPhone on the second night itself. Long story short, I've been enjoying what jailbreak can provide for what the iPhone OS can't:
SBSettings (toggle Wi-Fi, Edge, 3G, phone, brightness, processes, etc, with a swipe on the status bar),
ProSwitcher (pure multi-tasking and backgrounding, similar to Expose on Mac),
LockInfo (displays date, time, calender, weather, to-do, alerts for SMS, phone, mail, etc, on your Lock Screen),
just to name a few cool function apps that I use.

There are also other functions:
Quick Scroll (scroll bar so you don't have to swipe the screen 500 times to get to the bottom of the page),
Quick Compose (dialogue box for you to compose SMS without opening the SMS app),
Quick Reply (dialogue box for you to reply an SMS without unlocking your Lock Screen),
Stacks (similar to Stacks on Mac),
Categories (group apps into folders on SpringBoard).

Note that I did not mention Winterboard. I would like to promote the functions jailbreak has to offer besides the themes.

And of course, there is always OpenSSH for the advanced users.

Viruses
Yes, till date there are 3 viruses/worms which can infect the jailbroken iPhone. I myself got infected with the ikee worm 2 months back. But there are ways to prevent your device from getting infected - changing your root password (via Mobile Terminal) before you even install and use OpenSSH. If you don't know what OpenSSH is, don't bother installing it, until you know its functions.

Restrictions
As for the restrictions, I don't see any. As I have mentioned above, the only restriction for your iPhone is not jailbreaking it. Jailbreaking your iPhone will enable it to perform to its real true level.

The general manager of NYNY makes frequent visits to my outlet at Citylink. She would always sit at a quiet corner inside the restaurant with her MacBook Pro. Since she was also using the iPhone, I had the cheek to ask if she jailbroke her iPhone. She said she tried but somehow couldn't get the jailbreak to work. She also added, with jailbreak, there are endless possibilities for your iPhone.

Crashing?
To be honest, yes my iPhone did crash, on three occasions. Two of which was when I was taking photos and kept opening and closing the camera app. Even a normal iPhone can and will crash, I've personally witnessed it. The device will reboot itself, and sometimes take a few minutes.

Laggy?
Not a single chance. :P

Illegal?
Apple claims that jailbreaking is illegal, and will void the warranty. Anyhow, the device is yours and you could do anything with it. If you experience any problems with your iPhone and need to warranty it, do a restore in DFU mode before bringing it down to the service centre. In this way when Apple runs a diagnostic test, they would not know if the device has been jailbroken. This has been confirmed by the Apple genius I personally spoke to at EpiCentre. But do not take this literally.

Vince's iPhone jailbreak update; AndroidLock, Cydget, SnowCover, iBlueNova, OpenSSH

2010-02-26T14:20:00.003+08:00
The last two weeks saw me installing lots of Cydia apps on my iPhone, and setting them to work well.

AndroidLock
I've done away with the AndroidLock; it takes up 3/4 of the lockscreen, preventing me from accessing LockInfo. But I must say AndroidLock is one of a kind, instead of the normal slide to unlock, you got to draw a pattern (set by you) to unlock. Slide to unlock, followed by passcode lock (4-digit numeric passcode), is just too troublesome. Why not combine both and use AndroidLock instead?
I personally have never used passcode lock, but most of my friends do.

Cydget
I also installed all the 3 HTC Cydgets: HTC, HTC Hero, HTC Sense. They got really cool looking clocks for the lockscreen. I am aware that you could integrate the HTC Cydget clock into LockInfo, via SSH, but I have not researched on how to do it yet. So, I am currently not using any Cydgets now.

HTC Cydget

HTC Hero Cydget
You'll need to SSH to change the weather of the default city from Grayslake to your preferred city. At the time where I took the above screenie, I have not changed the temperature to Celsius.

Snowcover
Snowcover is an extension to display the cover-art on the lockscreen in a different way.

SnowCover theme

iMac SnowCover theme

iBlueNova
"iPhone sucks, it doesn't have bluetooth file transfer." That's what many people say.
Personally I don't care about bluetooth file transfers. The iPhone is an internet phone, all documents are transfered via data network. There isn't a need for bluetooth file transfer.

I am aware that the Apple App store has apps like Bluetooth Photo Share. You can only transfer photos, but NOT music, because your songs are managed by iTunes. And it is only iPhone-to-iPhone.

iBluenova, a paid app for $5.99, was released last week on Cydia, and it is an upgrade/update for iBluetooth. It allows you to have bluetooth file transfers from your jailbroken iPhone to ANY bluetooth device, such as other mobile phones and also your computer. If you seek good in the BeYouriPhone repository, you can find iBlueNova. ;)

I've successfully sent and received picture and music files via iBlueNova, and it rocks. You would have to SSH to extract those files.

OpenSSH
I've successfully SSH'ed into my iPhone. The client I use is Cyberduck for Mac. Previously I thought SSH is something very difficult to use, but it's not. SSH is the ultimate of jailbreaking. I can access ALL the system files on my iPhone, and customise every bit of my iPhone to the detail. :P

Install OpenSSH from Cydia, and activate it via SBSettings. Now, if you do not know what is OpenSSH, it means you do not know how to use it. Until you know what is OpenSSH and how to use it, please do not install and activate it. The consequences would be severe. You CAN and WILL definitely get infected with the ikee iPhone worm, unless you change your root and mobile passwd.

USS Essex docks here

2010-02-26T01:00:00.000+08:00
Thursday, February 25

For the past 2-3 days I noticed many young Americans walking past Citylink with high-and-tight haircuts. I immediately knew they were from the US Navy and their ship is docked here at Changi Naval Base. It has to be either an aircraft carrier or a submarine.

On Wednesday night, I was serving this sailor his beer. He complimented me saying that it was an excellent pour and he liked it very much; the entire bottle filled the mug nicely, and with a good head too.
My workplace has a weird way of pouring beer. They hold the mug at a 45deg angle throughout, and pour the beer slowly. Yes the entire bottle fills the mug, but this results in no head. How can you drink beer without the head? It's blasphemy.
I pour my beer holding the mug at a 45deg angle, slowly. When the mug is half full, I tilt it back upright and pour the rest in, resulting in the head. ALL beers must have a decent amount of head. If it's a 33cc bottle, at least 10mm.

Anyway, I didn't get a chance to speak to the group on Wednesday night, but managed to strike a conversation with two groups who came in for lunch on Thursday. I told them while on holiday in the US, I stayed at the Navy Lodge in San Diego Naval Station, and the Navy Lodge in Brooklyn Naval Yard. That was in 2000 and 2002 respectively. They were pretty impressed, and also with my knowledge of their ships/service.

I learned that the sailors were from the USS Essex, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, which is stationed in Japan. The Essex holds 1000 crew, 30 ish helicopters and some VSTOL aircrafts like the Harrier jumpjet. It is so big that two groups can walk past each other and not knowing anyone from the other group. And I finally got some answers regarding their new Navy uniform which were unanswered for 3 years! It's a shame they got rid of the Johnny Cash unifom.

The second group of sailors were my age, 22 years old. They sat at the entrance of the restaurant and kept looking at the women walking by and exclaiming to themselves, wwwooowww. Lololol.

Sailor: Any idea where can we go to meet some college girls?

Me: Hmm, that will be the uni here, but it's kinda hard as they're all the study type.

Sailor: Oh we're the study type too.

Me: Well you could try this club called Zouk.

Sailor: Oh yeah, are those girls at that table college girls or something? (points to a group of 6 girls from NYP)

Me: Oh no, they're like 17?

Sailor: Ahh we thought so too. We should stop looking at them.

Hahahaha.

P.S.
If my family were to have a vacation in the US again, we would definitely stay in Fort Bragg (home to the Special Forces) and a naval submarine base

Sent from my iPhone