tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115908152012-02-16T20:32:08.911+08:00Becoming educatedEmpowering readers since 2005andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.comBlogger4831100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-12676254939440548952011-12-22T00:05:00.001+08:002011-12-22T00:06:53.937+08:00Winter Solstice 2011Reflected on my post about the winter solstice of 2007, especially the part on the relevance of marking this occasion in the tropics.
Well, I'm in the thick of winter now at 31 degrees north of the Equator. It was cold today and the sun set around 4.30pm.
I'm looking forward to longer days back in Singapore. And of course when my family comes back to Shanghai towards the end of January. Most andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-46555064816714489952011-12-21T23:52:00.002+08:002011-12-21T23:55:39.180+08:00Kemble's CascadeThis is the second of two groups of stars with interesting patterns I saw around the winter solstice. Had to wear three layers of pants, four layers of tops, a scarf, a cap and ear muffs to fend off the sub-zero temperature.
This group of stars is known as Kemble's Cascade, named after a Canadian friar from Saskatchewan. More information from NASA here. It's really quite pretty through the andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-6760869422650403382011-12-20T01:16:00.001+08:002011-12-20T01:18:03.698+08:00The alpha Persei associationHad a very clear sky tonight and decided to do some casual observation before flying back to Singapore.
Looking north, almost at the zenith and in line with the meridian was the constellation Perseus. Through a 70mm refractor at 20x I was able to make out an interesting chain of stars around Mirphak or alpha Persei, the lead star of the constellation. It's an interesting chain snaking, as ifandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-9173650529769680092011-12-20T01:03:00.000+08:002011-12-20T01:03:50.526+08:00One-year hiatusShanghai, clear skies, 3 to 11 degrees Celsius.
Looking at my long-ago posts I'm quite taken by how much things have changed. I wonder if it's still worth keeping up this blog. Everyone seems to have moved on to Facebook and/or Twitter. Perhaps only Wifey and a former student of mine who's in Boston now still drop by occasionally.
I'll keep this blog perhaps as something to leave to my childrenandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-71782998995415607602010-08-13T23:40:00.001+08:002010-08-13T23:41:41.894+08:00The Sermon on the MountWho does the Son of God bless?
The poor in spirit;
The mourners;
The meek;
Those who hunger for righteousness;
The merciful;
The pure in heart;
The peacemakers;
The prosecuted righteous.
Come my friends, and be blessed.andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-74949636837933280562010-08-12T03:04:00.002+08:002010-08-12T03:07:35.538+08:00The cost of labourMany people have argued for fair-trade coffee, clothing and computers but I'm just thinking that it’s not a good idea having an air con drainage pipe facing the sunshine. Fresh water and sunlight make for algal blooms during summer. So much so that it choked the pipe and my bedroom was flooded for three consecutive nights. Anyway, we had the maintenance guy come over to clear all that for 40 RMB.andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-49219808636571802532010-08-09T12:49:00.002+08:002010-08-09T12:54:27.910+08:00Thoughts about Singapore educationOn this 45th National Day, the thing that's on many people's minds isn't finding the best place for watching the fireworks. The national obsession of Singaporeans isn't food. Nobody likes to face it but all, and I do mean all, Singaporeans are obsessed about education. Talk to any parent with children of school-going age and you'll get the feeling that you've spoken to a war-weary veteran.
andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-90803558709622003092010-08-06T02:32:00.000+08:002010-08-06T02:32:35.771+08:00Hong Kong vs 1984-villeI'm still thinking about the recent trip to Hong Kong. The abundance of cheerful locals in service-related jobs compared to Singapore was glaringly obvious.
Admit it, Singaporeans shun and look down on service jobs, like waiting at tables and attending to customers in a retail store. Not so the folks in HK. And attitudes have changed so much that there were smiles in abundance. Wifey and kids andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-29969013098976235642010-04-30T20:43:00.001+08:002010-04-30T20:43:31.009+08:00Amateurs vs. professionals"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur."Red Adair (1915-2004)Legendary oil well firefighter, who was fighting fires well into his 70sCouldn't agree more with the man. His advice is applicable to all industries. andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-80580173377703015492010-04-26T08:32:00.001+08:002010-04-26T08:32:07.704+08:00Expo 2010 feverEveryone here is talking about Expo 2010. Tickets aren't cheap, coming at 200 a pop. To help them make even more money, or to recover the cost, depending on your viewpoint, there are the day-pass and week-pass options. I'm just thankful that the construction madness is almost over. Traffic isn't that congested as before. But I suspect the relief will be short-lived. The regime will need somethingandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-43079498624806490902010-04-22T14:15:00.001+08:002010-04-22T14:15:09.339+08:00The human nature behind disastersSo airlines are demanding compensations and questioning the need for the closure of airspace over Europe.Read this article --> http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8636439.stm Funny how we react to disasters, actual and potential.Nobody saw the need for stringent security measures before 9/11. Something happened, then we reacted.Nobody knew what might happen to modern civilization at the stroke of andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-12821547821725197982010-04-19T18:02:00.002+08:002010-04-19T18:10:38.490+08:00Nicer weather nowWent out with the family to a park that charges RMB100 per person...to view flowers in bloom. Was sulking about the price and 1.5-hour car ride but it was nice. Environment was nice, mainly because of the lack of the ubiquitous Chinese smoker and spitter. Of course, the occasional idiot existed but with the fresh Pudong air, all was forgiven.Kids loved it too, with nice food (Mac's), ice-cream andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-17911622218713387152010-04-15T18:12:00.001+08:002010-04-15T18:12:45.891+08:00@gfwThe Great Firewall of China is truly keeping out foreigners, like its brick-and-mortar counterpart built centuries ago. Only this modern wall keeps out ideas. What a reflection of the small minds that exists in the powers that be. Narrow minds I can tolerate, at least there is a path. Small minds? They're not going anywhere. Imagine the Internet Archive being blocked. This is so wrong. And ironicandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-37411067415097921582010-03-26T01:54:00.001+08:002010-03-26T01:54:17.500+08:00Spring equinoxThe early spring rains have passed. Temperatures are in their teens. Had a good run around the estate this evening.Spring is here and hope no one gets a bad case of hay fever. andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-88076181335563981862010-03-13T11:30:00.004+08:002010-03-13T11:41:15.839+08:00Bak Chor Mee recipeTrying to replicate the taste of the Singaporean staple was quite an experiment. Haven't managed that yet but here's the closest I got:1. Sauce for noodles:a. Shallot oilb. Sesame oilc. Light soy sauced. Chinese black vinegare. Ketchupf. Soup stockThis is for the non-spicy version. I've yet to figure out the recipe for the chilli sauce. More updates in the future...2. Soup stock:a. Pork bonesb. andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-57872639029781981482010-03-11T16:33:00.006+08:002010-03-11T16:58:34.786+08:00Why I love digital...Back in the bad old days of film, I would have wasted a whole roll...OK, so how do I get this self-timer function to...oops..that's NOT it...Dad: Joy! Look at the camera!Joy: Dad! Stop messing with my hair!*thump*Wifey: Stop pulling me! And lose some weight so you won't fall over every time you try to squat.Finally....And Baby Peace has lost her patience...andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-87096004196832617262010-03-08T08:58:00.001+08:002010-03-08T08:58:28.788+08:00Ubuntu usability logInstallation issues:1. Installs from Live CD with no problems.2. Dual boot options working, with default to Ubuntu. Default changable to Windows partition with edit of GRUB loader.3. Did not attempt booting from USB thumb drive. HDD partitioning and recovery to Windows:1. Ubuntu OS may be deleted without affecting Windows2. Deleted partition may be recovered a. Boot from Windows CD b. Format andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-7757443244998179242010-03-03T21:12:00.001+08:002010-03-03T21:12:34.989+08:00Wiping USB flash drives with DBANThis is so obvious I missed it completely.To wipe a USB flash drive, the only option is to use the 'autonuke' function. However, using this function means that the hard drive is also wiped. You can't customize DBAN to only wipe the flash drive. John Greth has an excellent write up about how to wipe the flash drive only. It involves running a virtual machine to simulate a boot up within the andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-27253756133024016062010-03-03T20:30:00.001+08:002010-03-03T20:30:30.576+08:00The logical fallacy of expert opinionsJust because some PhD holder makes a statement doesn't mean that the statement is true.This is especially true in education.I hate mindless meetings... andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-88038634519387442562010-02-18T05:16:00.003+08:002010-02-18T05:21:27.856+08:00Torrent jackpot>200kB/s for a torrent download of the lastest Ubuntu OS...Finally configured my net connection to circumvent The Great Firewall. Muahahahaha!uTorrent rocks...'nuff said.andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-45146927814540342532010-02-18T03:14:00.001+08:002010-02-18T03:15:43.607+08:00BloggingJust saw the number of blog posts this year.This is the 40th for 2010 and I'm already posted more than the whole of 2009.So much for consistency...andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-39993419136850987722010-02-18T03:05:00.003+08:002010-02-18T03:14:03.779+08:00Coming out of a time warpYou know you've had too much CNY food and drinks when you turn up at your friend's house for an afternoon CNY gathering......except that you're a day too early.My lunch appointment is suppose to be this afternoon but I hauled myself, Wifey and the kids across town yesterday, only to have an embarassing laugh out of it. Not to mention the 60 RMB cab fare.Somehow "星期四" sounded like "初四", especiallyandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-43279071401606986752010-02-14T02:11:00.003+08:002010-02-14T02:25:24.424+08:00Happy Lunar New Year!Hope everyone will be happy this year.新年快乐！万事如意！身体健康！The estate lighted up at the stroke of midnight. My neighbours decided to have a go at seeing who had the grandest firework...It's good to be in the country that invented gunpowder...andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-91572790322776387992010-02-13T23:20:00.005+08:002010-02-14T00:24:17.223+08:00Pimp my XPWith a two-week break for Lunar New Year and not much to do, I decided to see how far I can push my 5-year-old Lazarus before I replace it with a tablet this summer. Read somewhere on the web that you can mod your copy of Windows XP to the tablet edition without too much trouble.So I decided to try and.....Ha! If only Lazarus had touchscreen or Wacom compatibility!Now I can run my nLite-d copy ofandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-39151828974438393722010-02-10T12:33:00.002+08:002010-03-13T11:41:50.445+08:00Ikan bilis with peanuts!Deep fry ikan bilis until crispy, place on paper towel to remove excess oil.Fry peanuts (without skin) over medium heat in a *dry* wok until golden brown.Toss both ingredients in a bowl before serving.andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-25086950031619738492010-02-10T12:31:00.001+08:002010-03-13T11:42:14.017+08:00Sambal egg!Material:Hard-boiled eggsTomato pasteCoconut milk, 2 table spoons... See MoreLemon juiceSugar, 3 tea sponnsShallotsChilli powderGinger, 1 sliceGarlic1. Pound shallots, ginger slice, garlic and chilli powder.2. Fry the above over medium heat until fragrant.3. Add tomato paste and mix well.4. Add eggs and fry.5. Add coconut milk, mix well.6. Add lemon juice and sugar.7. Mix well and simmer until andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-73326282678635835542010-02-10T12:27:00.001+08:002010-03-13T11:42:38.285+08:00Hay-bee hiam prawns!Material:French beans, cut inch-lengthMedium prawns, shelledDried small prawns (hay bee), mincedChilli paste & chilli oil (vary amount according to how *power* you want your tongue to feel!)... See MoreGarlic, mincedCorn starch powder mixed in water.Method:1. Stir-fry medium prawns over high heat for 30 seconds and set aside.2. Stir-fry French beans over high heat until shiny and set aside.3. andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-80287583426900805412010-02-10T04:09:00.004+08:002010-03-13T11:42:59.621+08:00Sambal belacan!Tried making Peranakan sambal belacan. Now I can have a taste of home, ha ha!For recipe, please refer to Mrs. Lee's Cookbook. Adjust according to taste.Belacan really stinks! You have been warned...Update:After some experimenting, and major waste of ingredients, here's what works...(recording for posterity)1/8 teaspoon belacan. Anything more simply ruins it and stinks up the whole house.5 large, andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-89242820615774804982010-02-09T21:32:00.002+08:002010-02-10T04:02:03.703+08:00HolidaysLunch at Johnny Moo's. Nice day out with the family along Hong Mei Road, an expat area of Shanghai, much like Holland V in Singapore. JM serves the best all-day breakfast...Having a two-week break for the Lunar New Year. Went to Xian Xia Road yesterday for dim sum breakfast at an authentic HK restaurant, complete with smoking patrons. The smooth Cantonese porridge and family time made up for all andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-45082443488881217522010-02-09T10:28:00.001+08:002010-02-09T10:28:12.861+08:00The arrival of spring15 to 20 degrees Celsius.Walking around with t-shirt and a jacket.It's a nice feeling that winter's over... andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-25367384798215621572010-02-07T17:48:00.001+08:002010-02-07T17:48:30.425+08:00Ogre asleepMy big problem is being highly irritable when awoken in the middle of the night.Faith came down with a cold and was whining last night. Couldn't get back to sleep because of her weeping.I've got to be develop patience. __________________________Evil ogre manifestations for 2010: 02 andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-84809505865656849572010-02-05T18:19:00.002+08:002010-02-14T00:22:42.169+08:00Back on the laptopMy Fujitsu is back online after replacing a burnt out chip. Cleaned out the fan, too. Now it's as quiet as new. I shall henceforth name it Lazarus.The guy who fixed it is very knowledgeable and provided very good service. Anyone needing his laptop fixed or even looked at for advice, here's his shop contact: 圳芯电脑技术有限公司漕溪北路41号太平洋数码一期345号021-54900137方先生andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-12799470325790181172010-02-02T20:07:00.001+08:002010-02-02T20:07:22.688+08:00Birds of a feather......NOT!So pissed. Can't register myself on a forum in the US because the sysop has decided to block all logins from China IP addresses.Idiotic... andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-66894906357983002042010-01-27T21:21:00.001+08:002010-01-27T21:21:31.106+08:00Vale 7021The 5 years old Fujitsu laptop finally gave up the ghost this morning. Not bad in terms of computing lifespan where 1 year is roughly 25 for the hardware. Considering that I've never had to repair it for the whole time I've used it. The RAM and HDD upgrades don't count. The original HDD is still stashed away in an external case somewhere. I will miss it...-----PT Log:20 minutes on the treadmill andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-84162386419576157532010-01-26T19:29:00.001+08:002010-01-26T19:29:50.719+08:00Conversations with WifeyWifey and Faith were baking chocolate muffins when I got home. Being the woman that she is, she looked at the bake pan and asked me, "How large is the pan?""Which side?" I replied."The pan, how large is it?" Exasperated I traced along the sides of the pan and asked again, "Is it _this_ side? Or this?""This lah!" Now it's her turn to be exasperated."Okay, let me get the measuring tape," I mutteredandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-2772666754033930612010-01-25T11:01:00.001+08:002010-01-25T11:01:09.335+08:00PT log30 minutes of slow jogging on the treadmill.15 minutes of stretching out.First of a million steps... andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-81725176098034605522010-01-24T08:17:00.003+08:002010-01-24T08:40:55.901+08:00Becoming overweightIt begins insidiously...gram by gram...at first, your favourite pants feels a little tight but you ignore it, then the belt doesn't clip at the usual hole and you move it to the next one...soon you can't fit into the pants after a meal...the next thing you know, hey, the pants suddenly fit again and seems roomier than ever.That's when you realize your wife has kindly replaced that 30-inch pants andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-10506774114997830782010-01-23T08:29:00.000+08:002010-01-24T08:38:57.705+08:00The passing of timeYou know that something significant in life has taken place when your former students on Facebook start reminiscing about their youth.I'm so glad I have a family. It's paradoxical. Faith is like a reflection of time passing, yet she keeps me young.Go figure...andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-74534033198088016342010-01-22T12:26:00.001+08:002010-01-22T12:26:21.858+08:00The Big Picture?So Hillary Clinton visited Haiti.And the security cordon prevented any humanitarian work for 3 days.Bigwigs should just get out of the way and let the little people do effective work... andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-26126221733685333592010-01-21T18:25:00.001+08:002010-01-21T18:25:18.668+08:00The space-time paradoxWoke up 15 minutes earlier today to fix and eat breakfast. It's part of a wider attempt to improve overall health.Ended up rushing out the door with the toast in my mouth, hoping that the company bus hasn't left. Somehow the time equation doesn't add up. It felt like I had woken up 15 minutes *later*.Perhaps Einstein has an explanation... andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-67521046183832569062010-01-20T08:23:00.001+08:002010-01-24T08:42:09.532+08:00Fitness programmeI need to get fit.Not Ironman fit, just to feel my age and not like I'm some 60-year-old after climbing up two flights of stairs at work.By the way, there IS a 60-year-old at my work place who climbs stairs with me. He doesn't seem breathless...Time to get that pair of Adidas off the shoe rack.andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-86256599605261912512010-01-19T14:35:00.001+08:002010-01-19T14:35:20.974+08:00Of black boxes and candiesHad an interesting session with the kids on the fundamentals of Science. I constructed a black box with some candies inside. They had to guess what's in the box without opening it. Some were indifferent, some showed enthusiasm and all had different methods. What we think of as high school science is not Science. Science isn't listing down a set of facts. Knowing that Jupiter is the largest planetandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-63237539084276150592010-01-17T22:54:00.001+08:002010-01-17T22:54:09.027+08:00The epistle of JamesIt's time for a meditative study. Please read with me.Open my heart, Lord. andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-86622498951789021302010-01-16T23:33:00.001+08:002010-01-16T23:33:27.141+08:00If we knew betterKids are a blessing to their parents in more ways than we can count.Faith was whining for chocolates earlier today while I was frying some Indonesia fish keropok for her. I told her to be patient, to wait for something better but she kept crying for the chocolates. Her tears turned to the widest smile ever when I finally handed her the keropok.It's very similar to how we relate to God. Many timesandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-20843496278607913202010-01-14T09:00:00.001+08:002010-01-14T09:00:04.940+08:00Earthquake in HaitiA 7.0-magnitude earthquake has struck the island of Haiti. Thousands have died and infrastructure, including Parliament and the island's main prison have collapsed. The UN office was also struck, with scores of UN peacekeepers and workers expected dead or injured. It seems civilisation has ended in Haiti. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8455629.stmKeep praying for them. andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-32430049453851264702010-01-13T20:35:00.002+08:002010-01-13T20:42:45.783+08:00Rex MuscidaeThe traffic in Shanghai is a mirror of the human condition here. Nobody waits, obeys traffic rules or gives way. A two-lane road has four lines of vehicles. A chicken can't cross the road unless it jaywalks.The only time when some semblance of order is restored is when a traffic police arrives on scene.With 5000 years of civilization behind them, you'd expect the Chinese to do better. Maybe the andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-44614919857593979402010-01-13T20:14:00.001+08:002010-01-13T20:15:36.797+08:00Showing some spine?So maybe Google has decided to show some spine and walk away from a potentially lucrative market?Read this article.Everyone's talking China these days.Censored search engine is an oxymoron anyway. So maybe Google might just salvage some pride with this move.andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-49319116878250703102010-01-12T16:59:00.003+08:002010-01-12T17:04:06.692+08:00Evil ogre at homeI'm so tired of myself screaming at Faith whenever she does something that upsets me. My resolution this year will be to not scream at her. And I'm starting the count of the number of times I do so for the rest of the year.Faith woke up at 3am this morning, crying because the night light was switched off. And I scolded her for that. So the count begins...Evil ogre manifestations: 01andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-4041335205735663552010-01-11T08:48:00.001+08:002010-01-11T08:48:05.749+08:00Cup of Nations Day 1Angola 4 Mali 0 after 80 minutes of play. Then, all of a sudden, everything lit up and 4 goals in the last 10 minutes, including the final 2 within a minute of the final whistle.Full-time score: Angola 4 Mali 4 What a game. What a way to come back for both Mali and football in Africa. andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-59768230530073414672010-01-10T20:05:00.002+08:002010-01-10T20:09:12.339+08:00An African danceGet ready to witness football at its purest. Forget about the over-commercialised World Cup and European Championship with over-paid, under-performing stars.This is what it's all about. The African Cup of Nations. Free flow attacking football and passion. Why do you think the biggest clubs in Europe send their scouts here?Let the festival begin.andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-58284993787062893362010-01-09T16:14:00.002+08:002010-01-09T16:17:01.268+08:00Raising kidsEveryone's an amateur when it comes to raising one's own kids.Faith suddenly burst out crying while playing at the playground. No one bullied her. She didn't fall down from height. And I couldn't get her to tell me what's wrong. So she wept all the way home.A hug from Wifey settled it.So much for being a sensitive dad...andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-3511292795432387902010-01-08T17:25:00.000+08:002010-01-08T17:26:01.570+08:00RunningThis article is not a surprise:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B8JHF-4XX36D1-2&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=0bea7b09825dec6d17d30e7ec502b545 Barefoot running produces less stress on the joints than running with shoes. And be spontaneous.What did I say? Forget about the slogans and andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-35895276701845387292010-01-08T14:08:00.001+08:002010-01-08T14:08:50.387+08:00Kids and pizzaMade pizza with Faith last night. She was most enthusiastic about piling the pineapples on the dough. Looks like she's going through a pineapple phase. How I wish she'd go through a vegetable phase.Seeing her do things, I realised Faith is no longer the toddler she used to be. I'm beginning to miss her baby days. She now looks out for her younger sister, even giving up TV time so that Joy can getandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-2522388248577241872010-01-07T16:57:00.004+08:002010-01-07T17:12:24.727+08:00Decent folks along the wayIt's always the nice people that made things memorable at work.I've been thinking about all the jobs that I've done. Then I realised that it's not the job per se but the people.You can have either the most coveted or undesirable job in town but it doesn't matter. It's the nice folks that made things good.I miss research days for the beer and makan sessions with a crazy gang who chased after the andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-49119562473852656072010-01-06T10:46:00.001+08:002010-01-06T10:46:54.455+08:00Exit planWe will be in Shanghai until 2012 if plans are not changed. I'll need to work on an exit plan soon, not just from the company but also from this line. It's been an interesting 4 years as a teacher. By 2012, I will have done the same thing for 6 years. That is a long time by my standard. I'm looking for a new direction at work, please pray with me. Thinking of working in a library or in a line andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-9013365570050848082010-01-05T22:24:00.002+08:002010-01-05T22:34:09.771+08:00Dealing with the weatherSo the forecast from last week turned out totally wrong. It's been a colder-than-expected week so far, with temperatures fluctuating on both sides of freezing both outdoors and in the office. Yup, the powers that be have decided to save on the heating bill.I'm wondering...if it's minus 3 degrees now, how's it going to be come Chinese New Year, the coldest time of the year in Shanghai? The thoughtandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-58659814965296326432010-01-04T10:19:00.001+08:002010-01-04T10:19:21.869+08:00First work day of 2010 The heating broke down this morning. Office is freezing with single-digit weather on the outside. Good thing I'm back to work. It's not something that I'm proud of, work. It's something that puts the bacon on the table. No, I'm not being cynical either. I'm glad to be back in the office because it gets more difficult to start with longer holidays. The end of summer is worse. I'm grateful for andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-71517566895133741412010-01-03T22:33:00.003+08:002010-01-03T22:39:38.396+08:00School for FaithWe're starting the ACES curriculum for Faith tomorrow. Wifey has taken the step of faith in starting this journey of home school. It's something we talked about and prayed about ever since Faith was born. We know it's the right step but having a formal starting day still makes us anxious. I guess it's human nature to be afraid of the unknown. Three words to comfort us though: go with God.How andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-2877548280076481462010-01-02T22:59:00.004+08:002010-01-05T22:36:45.207+08:00Moving out, moving inSo we completed the move to the new apartment today.Fourth time in a year.It's tiring just thinking about it. Not all expatriates enjoy the glamorous lifestyle. No limos, no villas with a pool in the backyard. No permanence either.Thankfully the landlords we've encountered have been kind. The Shanghainese may be known for their prickly and tough personality. But beneath that, most are just folks andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-75621745068017506752010-01-01T23:07:00.003+08:002010-01-01T23:17:47.565+08:00The things I want for my kids in the 10sSpent the day breathing in the air on the first day of the 10s.Sounds strange. The 10s...Faith is four. She will be 14 by the time 2020 rolls around. I wonder how the world will be like for her? I wonder how it will be like being a teenager in 2020? Wifey will begin "formal" home school with her from next week. We're talking about things like teaching her to sit down and pay attention. Being andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-60441233370007376362009-12-31T01:45:00.004+08:002009-12-31T02:13:59.707+08:00Closing a decadeon the 31st December of1979 - too clueless to realize that my life would be forever changed by Primary One.1989 - full of excitement as I traded school-uniform shorts for long pants, all ready for the world with teenage bravado1999 - still enjoying the much-cherished air of freedom from a long-delayed ROD from the year before, penniless but happy2009 - with three kids, I'm back to being clueless.andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-88199208691727851812009-11-10T22:51:00.002+08:002009-11-10T22:52:56.845+08:00Failing laptopMy faithful Fujitsu laptop of 4 years is showing signs of a breakdown.Sigh...time to burn a hole in my pocket. Unless someone is willing to write me a cheque to the tune of $3k?andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-28532390914271722272009-11-10T22:45:00.002+08:002009-11-10T22:46:56.374+08:00Trying my faithFaith seems to be going through a delayed terrible two at four. Unfortunately, I don't seem to have it in me to discipline her in a proper manner. Anyway, Wifey got fed up with the whole situation and broke down. Kids, you can't understand them fully once you become an adult. Maybe that accounts for the perennial existence of a gap between generations. Funny thing is, we neither consider andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-75203021964059626032009-11-07T16:17:00.001+08:002009-11-07T16:17:52.207+08:00Birthday partiesBirthday parties for kids are pretty similar. Lots of noise, crying, and a cake poked by too many little fingers before the candles are blown. Not to mention sleepy dads grabbing sofa space like it's prime real estate... andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-11027369727961224222009-11-05T20:41:00.004+08:002009-11-05T20:45:36.331+08:00Faith + Joy = 4 + 2Happy birthdays to my two beautiful girls...Thanks to Daniel & UV for the photos.andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-35956548723583902712009-11-05T11:14:00.001+08:002009-11-05T11:14:33.829+08:00The pendulumLogged on to the website of the Dept of Biological Sciences, NUS. It seems that they've hired more faculty specialising in Ecology.So much for the dark years when biodiversity researchers were left out of the mainstream. In 1984-ville, it seems, even academia is subjected to the pendulum of fashionability. When will they get it in their heads that people, especially the nutty ones who'd crawl andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-50616629669830839112009-11-02T16:45:00.003+08:002009-11-02T16:50:10.076+08:00The weather in ShanghaiSo the locals tell me that there are only 2 seasons in Shanghai: summer and winter.Had a taste of what it means over the past 24 hours. It was 28 degrees yesterday and it will be 9 degrees tonight. And I hear there's heavy snowfall on Beijing.Crazy.The kids are enjoying it though...____________________Whole wheat bread with peanut butterBrown RiceStir-fried bean curd with minced meatStir-fried andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-20091068073874504702009-10-29T04:47:00.003+08:002009-10-29T04:50:01.475+08:00This one goes out to youYes, to you, the only student whom I'm impressed with during my short teaching stint.Never mind about rude Chemistry professors and stalkers. Have fun going to see the Phoenix...andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-80432090465226517042009-08-09T18:33:00.002+08:002009-08-09T18:36:20.397+08:00Happy 44thTo all the hardworking people of Singapore, we'll make things happen regardless...Power to the People!andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-8646694764498760152009-08-06T05:52:00.004+08:002009-08-06T05:56:55.711+08:00Gasping for freedom's airThis game of slipping past roadblocks is getting very tiring. Once again, please listen, I am NOT INTERESTED in your politics. I just want to keep in touch with my friends on social networking sites.Too bad people died in the western regions due to some crazed rioters and the bubonic plague's spreading somewhere in the middle. My sympathies go out to the victims but not to the pig-headed censors.andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-14834204967787926562009-07-21T16:08:00.000+08:002009-07-21T16:54:36.023+08:00Over the moonSo everybody, meet the newest member of the gang...We may have walked on the moon 40 years ago yesterday and the sun be totally eclipsed tomorrow but nothing beats the feeling of having a new baby.Cheers...andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-27307058307093263342009-07-10T11:28:00.003+08:002009-07-10T11:37:18.084+08:00Having No.3So Mum-in-law is flying in today to help Wifey with her confinement periods, although the word confinement is used very loosely in this case. Wifey hates being confined and certainly will not stay in bed or away from the shower for more than 2 days in a row.Somebody once said that the birth process is a 鬼門関 or a set of "deathly gates" that women go through. It's a reminder of how fragile we are. andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-38173313825990985422009-07-08T22:16:00.002+08:002009-07-08T22:28:48.018+08:00Damn censorsJust as the Great Wall did not keep out the barbarian hordes, this Great Firewall won't stop net traffic. I don't care for your politics and anyone who's got a brain will simply laugh at your feeble attempts at thought-control.andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-82969180229166597592009-07-07T04:16:00.001+08:002009-07-07T04:16:03.069+08:00The trouble with namesSo how? 7 days to go before No. 3 pops (or technically speaking, gets ripped out via C-section) and I am unsettled about her name. Faith and Joy were givens but No. 3? We're temporarily calling her Peace. But, hey, Peace is an uncommon name. Any suggestions for a synonym? Preferably short and sweet, single syllabus. Argh... On the other hand, the Chinese name sounds nice.Oh yeah, and the andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-80524558177390371232009-06-22T18:48:00.001+08:002009-06-22T18:48:29.639+08:00The height of summerSummer solstice and 38 degrees weather. Never mind that.Wifey, Faith, Joy and, soon, Peace.Thank God for family. andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-80306459186627926692009-06-12T11:33:00.001+08:002009-06-12T11:33:02.293+08:00Faith and meFaith and I are growing distant. It's a combination of the 9-to-5 work hours and my own lack of patience with her attempts at growing up.My childhood was filled with adults who were impatient with me. Feeling torn between being a good friend and having to instill some kind of discipline in her. It's the latter that usually comes through. I don't ever recall any adults that was patient with me as andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-13215898727552927802009-06-06T15:39:00.001+08:002009-06-06T16:47:40.405+08:0065 years on......and let's not forget the price that men paid to keep the world free.Not only on the beaches of Normandy...but also in the China-Burma-India theater...Not a very well-known piece of WW2 history was the Second Chindit Expedition, conducted from February to August 1944. The expedition originated from Assam state in north-east India into Burma. Consisting of troops mainly from the 77th Indian andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-80439465883865261492009-06-04T09:20:00.003+08:002009-06-04T09:32:39.386+08:00On the anniversary of the Tiananmen massacreSo net traffic's been crawling for folks behind the Bamboo Curtain.It's been twenty years since some intrepid students made this...Communism was collapsing across Eastern Europe and the great hope for People's Republic of China was for the liberalization of economic policies to translate into greater political freedom. Tragically, the powers that be can take no challenges to its authority. The andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-538006525785236622009-05-23T06:37:00.001+08:002009-05-23T06:37:30.393+08:00Before dawnBlogger has been blocked by the Great Firewall of China, again.Anyway, here I am, sitting in the quiet of dawn, reflecting on the past months. My third kid is due in less than 2 months' time. The other two are as trying as they can be but getting away with it because they're so angelic. Wife is tired most days now, heavy into the third trimester. After mulling over the 80s in many of my previous andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-53997070304563862712009-05-12T19:07:00.003+08:002009-05-13T11:40:45.022+08:00The old man and his children (part 1)There was once an old man with many children. This old man had a big garden in the middle of the forest. In that garden were many things for the children to play with. There were two water fountains in the garden, one in the east and the other in the west. Cool water flowed from both and the children could drink to quench their thirst on a warm day. There was also a tall wooden fence that kept andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-78610100188428674352009-05-01T11:48:00.002+08:002009-05-01T11:51:34.419+08:00Of stange dreamsHad two strange dreams relating to life in Queenstown as a kid. Probably a result of thinking about my days with granny during the 70s.What was the Chinese term again?日有所思夜有所夢Not bad for someone who scored a high of C6 for high school Chinese exam...andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-17305510669412049122009-04-28T12:42:00.004+08:002009-04-28T14:08:18.001+08:00Why do I not feel sad?Or at least as sad as I thought I would be.Granny passed away yesterday. Deaths of people whom I know personally always affected my emotions in complicated ways. How sad should I feel? Is there a degree to sadness? It feels strange to direct my emotions with reasoning. Emotional reasoning?Granny brought me up and served as a maternal figure in place of an absent mother. How sad should one feel andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-72431040443643938222009-04-18T21:09:00.005+08:002009-04-18T21:25:00.098+08:00My favourite bad guyThe one and only asian bad guy character who gets killed by the (invariably white) hero in every Hollywood action film that required an asian bad guy character who gets killed by the (invariably white) hero.Presenting Al Leong...Come on, admit it, unless you've been living on Mars for the past 30 years, you've seen this guy and always wondered what his name is. I finally figured it out after andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-43352921175275104552009-04-16T21:54:00.003+08:002009-04-16T21:56:41.558+08:00The journey continuesone more week and on to the next stage in the revolution against closed-source, commercial OSes...andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-17780591080965088772009-04-16T21:43:00.003+08:002009-04-16T21:48:10.013+08:00I have nothing to write about......and I have to write it out.So there.Seriously though, there are many people out there. Some of nice, some not so but I'd like to thank the good people at Teach Asia (S) Pte Ltd, who went to lots of trouble trying to solve a Customs dispute while sending some homeschool material for Faith.Thanks again!andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-4911712677183592802009-04-15T14:36:00.001+08:002009-04-15T14:37:54.763+08:00Summer, no?It's 30 degrees outside.Crazy weather. Feels like Singapore.Is it summer already?andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-76118879939837707252009-04-12T20:38:00.002+08:002009-04-12T20:55:29.155+08:00Resurrection SundayThe empty tomb...The people looked for a conqueror, but He came as a servantPilate wanted a miracle, but He spoke the TruthThe soldiers mocked, but He loved in returnThey put a stone to the door, but He rolled it awayIn death life arisesIn poverty wealth poursIn hunger food growsIn sadness happiness aboundsLife is one big contradiction.Or is it?andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-77657166081385664182009-04-10T15:01:00.003+08:002009-04-10T15:15:11.559+08:00Seven times he spokeSeven words of loveAnd all three hours, his silence criedFor mercy on the souls of menJesus our Lord is crucified-Jars of Clay 1. Father forgive them, for they know not what they do. 2. Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise 3. Woman, behold your son: behold your mother 4. My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? 5. I thirst 6. It is finishedandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-27888190373965966292009-04-09T20:37:00.004+08:002009-04-09T21:03:54.985+08:00Reflections 14 years on...It was during the Lenten season of 1995 that I attended catechism or baptism class. Looking back, it was also a time of spiritual trial. One which made the meaning of the word failure significant. Good Friday is supposed to be good, a victory. It was through failure that I learnt real victory in God.What happened in 1995?Ended a friendship with someone who really mattered.Had never ending troubleandrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-45221818239350306152009-04-09T08:46:00.003+08:002009-04-09T08:57:17.455+08:00The Lonely RoadWalking along a dark path with shadows of ghouls by the sides.Praying but feeling unsure if it's been heard.A sinister voice telling me that everything becomes nothing in the end.Waking up to a day without hope.Friends running away after taking an oath of brotherhood.This is the Lonely Road, where even the stout-of-heart doubts.andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-4179259622641106772009-03-29T20:58:00.003+08:002009-03-29T21:08:47.641+08:00The MoonFaith noticed the moon tonight as it was setting. I told Wifey that it'd be good for our children to understand astronomical & meteorological phenomena. Too many of us city-dwellers have relied on clocks and calendars that the passing of time is but an artificial construct in our minds. Being in Shanghai, with the changing seasons, has put me in touch with the rhythms of nature. I have begun to andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-90914368149583625542009-03-28T21:18:00.003+08:002009-03-29T20:49:32.004+08:00Vernal equinoxand we marked Earth Day Hour in Shanghai with turned-off light bulbs from 8.30 to 9.30pm.After four months, all I can say about the state of the environment here is that it feels like a war zone. Mounds of earth and construction debris everywhere. Grey and smoggy, feels like the immediate aftermath of a major artillery duel.Never missed pristine air until now.andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-14513300602079914382009-03-28T13:02:00.003+08:002009-03-28T13:06:33.852+08:00Educating my kidsThinking about home school.I was sitting alone along the corridor last evening, filled with the noise of kids around me. Observing their interactions, I was transported back to my own schooldays. It suddenly occurred to me that school was and still is an intimidating environment for those who choose to do things differently.My Faith is different. Like me.I want the best for her and I'm afraid andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-15927888790856459662009-03-24T18:57:00.002+08:002009-03-24T19:12:08.458+08:00English literatureor should I say literature in English. Finally got my copy of National Geographic magazine. Been starved of reading material since landing in Shanghai. It's the most cosmopolitan city in China and I can't find anything decent in English to read.Never knew how important having something meaningful to read is until now. Six articles should last me until the May issue arrives. It's funny. I get andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-23823022640215879322009-03-01T21:26:00.003+08:002009-03-01T21:38:21.338+08:00of viral infections...So my pastor in Shanghai is down with pneumonia the same weekend my Windoze PC got hit with the conficker virus. Crappy on both counts. The wet weather doesn't help with moods either. Persistent rain and sub-10 degrees temperatures.Well, on the bright side, I'm seeing the inside of a church more regularly than back home. And Blogspot, Facebook and other websites that I'm addicted to seem to load andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-24317319578203531302009-01-15T08:32:00.004+08:002009-01-15T08:41:22.258+08:00Jobs' AppleI wonder how much of a company Apple is without Steve Jobs. Recall the troublesome years that it went through between 1985 to 1997. And how it was re-invigorated with his return and the first iMac.Source: BBCNow that he has taken 6 months medical leave, and looking increasingly gaunt by the passing months, I fear for the company that always gave us something to look forward to in an industry andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-56212796447421979622008-12-25T15:09:00.002+08:002008-12-28T15:13:24.002+08:00Merry ChristmasTo everyone out there who's feeling lonely in crowded places.Have a peaceful time.andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-6655863748844576462008-12-24T13:18:00.001+08:002008-12-24T13:20:10.686+08:00Two degrees and countingThe first deep winter since New Zealand in 1994.Brrr....andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-69346732523675241862008-12-21T16:07:00.003+08:002008-12-21T16:22:34.943+08:00Satellite TVNever mind the uneven water pressure in the shower leaving me feeling like cold sashimi from Hokkaido and hot chilli crab from Singapore at the same time.I've got satellite TV now, muahahaha...Taiwan, HK, PRC, US, The Philippines and pretty much most networks along the Pacific Rim.Wifey's much happier now. Instead of bland government-sanctioned news and dramas about heroes of the Sino-Japanese andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11590815.post-12331753648871205852008-12-20T15:54:00.003+08:002008-12-21T16:06:55.241+08:00Reflections across The BundSpent part of the day walking around the area east of the Whampoa River and enjoyed it somewhat. The buildings around the Oriental Pearl Tower are new and not as densely-built as the rest of Shanghai. I can actually see the sky without four or five grey buildings encroaching my field of view. The idea of living in Pudong actually appealed to me until I realized that there are no wet markets in andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400443130263204788noreply@blogger.com0