RIP my dear BB 9000

Thanks for being my buddy for the past 4 years without giving me any major issues until recently, the trackball can't move the cursor down at all and most of the function/menu can't be used. Also the internal memory is extremely low due to the buggy design and BB OS core files are getting larger. I guess I will try to send it for repair before declaring the death for this BB ;)

So, what should be the pick? iPhone? Galaxy S2? These are the 2 picks and I don't really fancy with iPhone anymore because I already have iPad. Likewise, I'm very keen on S2 as I never had an Android phone before. Since the review is also very good for this phone, so I finally decided to purchase for Ori set in Times Square. Most of them selling around RM1850-RM1899 but I manage to get it at RM1750 with free screen protector. Confirmed original set and authorized by Samsung Malaysia, not AP set.

In order to get the white S2, I need to pay extra RM100 where I don't find it's worthwhile as the phone feature and base unit are identical except the color. Also the white body seems not sturdy to me and I'm sure it will get dirty or yellowish over a short period. So it will be black ... just like my iPad :)

LCD screen is larger and more sharp than iPhone4

8 mega pix ... self explanatory

So thin ... much thinner than iPhone (and lighter too)

Generally, I find it's cool and nice looking phone. Not only that but the technical spec is much greater than the iPhone. I do find iPhone4S look convincing with its new feature but I can see the resemblance of iPhone 3G/3GS. It's just minor upgrade and it will be totally different design and appearance in the Apple's next pipeline product ... probably iPhone5 :)

Another Sat returning to KL

So fast another 2 weeks passed in SG and it's time to come back to KL. This time, I've learned my lesson and start to depart from home around 6:58am and guess what, I reach Goldenmile around 7:35am. Much faster than last time and I just got out 10 mins earlier than last time. Sometimes it's hard to predict the journey time even you're in SG where all transportation are well plan and timely executed :p

About 8:10am, my bus still waiting for nothing and I really mad because the last round, I only late by 4 mins and the bus took off ... wtf. About 8:15am, then the driver only move his butt and only manage to get thru immigration checkpoint around 9:15am because the driver drive like a grandmother and traffic was relatively high at checkpoint.

No matter what, I heard something which really bother me as the co-driver told us to get a toilet break/breakfast at Machap R&R before heading to its destination at Genting Highlands. I quickly check both the bus plate number and destination are correctly indicated in my ticket. Don't give a damn and hopefully just like last time that they will drop us at Times Square then proceed to Genting Highlands.

Since the driver said the break would be 20 mins, so I went into the R&R for a quick bite and got attracted by this Kopitiam run by a group of Malay. I'm surprise to see this because their tea and soft boil eggs normally not-so-good compare to those Hainanese Chap ;)

Maybe my face really look like Singaporean because no matter how much I spoke with them in Malay, they still reply in English and I felt they treated me like a Singaporean which really pissed me off. But when the person behind me talk in English, then the cashier converse fully in Malay. I was like ... speechless and I don't see myself like one.

Complete breakfast set at RM6.80

The breakfast set I've ordered is rather disappointing even I've prepared myself because their egg not really well/freshly prepared and again, they gave me THICK soy sauce instead of the ordinary soy sauce. SO SINGAPOREAN STYLE !!!! Hello, I'm a 100% MALAYSIAN ok?

SMI Team Building - My 3rd experience

So fast it's already 6 months since the previous team building held on last April at Singapore Zoo. This time, it held at Fullerton Hotel near Raffles Place/Boat Quay. It is a nice building and I pass by few times and never been there too. Should be nice experience but never happy too early because team building doesn't really mean fun but to squeeze your brain for ideas/solutions to the management team. Dirty trick!

This time, the theme is The Chocolate Factory where the team will divided into few groups and each group will have their production line task. The objective is to deliver the chocolate custom requested by the customer as per the requested design and how much we can earn for the whole session. Target was 100 plates but the result seems not so bright for the first time, managed to sell 40+ plates which accepted by the customers and more than 40 plates were rejected (due to wrong results provided).

After the session, there is a short discussion before lunch and each of the team were given 30 mins to come out with the improved plan so that we can use it and make more earnings (and lesser rejected plates too) :)

After the ingenius and creative plan was ... to group all designers at the same area so that they can focus the drawings and Provider to furnish the plates with required chocolate and also handle special order. Finally another team to perform QC check and always align with user if the requirement is correct otherwise the whole production will have to stop and revise according to the new requirement.

Guess what, the 2nd time, we earn triple the first round and we manage to score 70+ plates. As expected, they need us to work as a team and not only doing repetitive things without asking and understanding what a customer really want. You can produce 100 items at cheap rate but if it's not require by the customers, not only you lose the business but wasted the goods as well.

This is the fun part and of course the management did throw some current issues within the team in hope for new ideas and 'work' the solution for them too. Smart arse ...

Dinner at North Border Bar & Grill @ Rochester

Few days ago, a colleague of mine told me there's another happening place nearby Buona Vista MRT and the food/ambiance is quite alike Dempsey. Since I started to crave for food in SG especially those at nice location ... of course will google around for more info then persuade those interested to join me ;)

Based on Google Map, if were by walking, it's just 7-10 mins from MRT and there are few restaurants in Rochester Park, range from Western to Mexican then to Chinese. Since today looks like a good day to leave office on the dot, so decided today will be the day!

Manage to reach there about 7:30pm and the crowd still not very pack. Though it's located along the main road but due to too many trees and bushes, you barely can see those restaurants and this make me feel that I'm out of town and having dinner at somewhere remote/country side.

After checkout most of the restaurants there, my choice will be North Border Bar where their menu and drinks seems more convincing. Since we're not that hungry, so we just ordered few starters and a prawn spaghetti followed by few drinks.

Chicken wing is quite food. Sapu habis :)

Twisted Green Apple Martini

Food wise is just so so, nothing great and the drinks rather disappointing because it's quite diluted to me. Hopefully this is the only restaurant that doesn't meet my expectation and will try some other the next time ... if I've chance ;)

Dinner at Margaritas @ Dempsey

After another tiring busy day and guess it should be a day to pamper myself going dinner with close friend ;) Sine we didn't have any plan in mind so just went to Dempsey right after work and step into the restaurant that interest us. This time, Margaritas is the place!

It's a Mexican restaurant and everyone seems having margaritas and guess it's their best seller (or anchor product too). Based on their menu, if you order one glass of margaritas, it will cost about $19 and $62 for a pitcher (can pour for 4-5 glasses). Since we plan to be here for a while, a pitcher will be our choice as it's cheaper if you wanted to drink more right? ;)

The Golden Margarita

I quite like their glass. Did you see anything?

It's glass stand actually a form of cactus. Cool rite? (Sorry to flashy) 

For starter, I've order their (only) soup ... Spicy Chipotle Soup. At first, I was curious how a Chipotle can be a soup as it's like Roti Canai for Mexican and when it arrived, they actually sliced the Chipotle and serve together with their local recipe spicy soup. Kinda weird but taste not bad ... maybe I'm just a 'soup' person :S

After the soupy starter and here come the main course ... darn, I forgot the name but it's something like lime chicken blah blah blah :p They serve chicken fillet in round form, topped with sliced lime and their original Mexican sauce. Also provided another plate with one scoop of butter rice and some salads. The food is good and portion is just nice. I'm sure that I will come back soon to try other food from their menu :)

Photos from BCAP

During the last BCAP event, there was a shooting session where you can take photo with your colleagues/team at the showcase as remembrance. You can take as many as you want and they will print and frame it up the photo for you on the spot.

So now, I've place one of my favourite rights next to my laptop so that I can take a look whenever I lost focus, pressured or even just to 'wash' my eyes ;) Hopefully I will have more so that I can make a small/mini collage at my cubicle ...

Almost forgotten about my ever first body health check ;)

It was a busy Monday morning and I couldn't get a chance even just to drink some water but just clearing my work/attending to issues. About 9:45am, one of my colleagues ask if I'm going for the health check and I was totally shocked to realise my appointment suppose to be 10am !! Without wasting anymore time, I quickly ran down to 2nd floor to participate for that.

My initial idea is to participate only the basic free blood test as this is my first time and I prefer to visit those reputable lab test for details scan. Due to some influences and some explanation from the doctor, I was convinced to get the full check which cost about $157 incl gov tax and it will be ready in 2 weeks.

After waited for about 10 person, it's my turn finally and I did felt bit nervous ;) Normal lah, kena 'jab' right? My BP was ok and BMI seems normal but when come to taking blood sample, my nightmare finally arrived. Guess what, the nurse informed me that my vein is so prominent and it's tricky for her to jab the syringe into my hand properly. After squeezing the spongy ball, she finally found one and the process take place. Just less than a min, the nurse told me the blood flow is very weird, sometimes normal and sometimes slow. She advised me to keep squeezing the spongy ball in order to pump out my blood but it's still slow and the queue behind is piling up.

My poor left arm :(

Without any choices so she proposed to jab another hand in hope will be better. As expected, same situation and no choice but keep squeezing the spongy ball :( I couldn't recall how long it was (guess 5-8 mins?) and a while later, she manage to collect the right amount of blood and she said I didn't rest well and drink water sufficiently which I totally agreed because the day before I slept quite late and this morning I didn't get a chance to drink water. Now I'm really worried and hope this won't really impact my final result. I am keeping my fingers crossed now and see how it goes. Also, there were some colleagues asking if everything alright for me because I'm the only person who jab twice and having difficulties to collect blood sample :(

And my right one :(

Nevertheless, after a stressful and tension morning, I guess I should have a great lunch to pamper myself and also to DE-STRESS as health check already done and nothing much can be done now. Let's EAT !!!

Dim Sum !!!!!!

New collection for my wallet

After away for 2 weeks, look like I've got some snail mails with some hard object in it. Guess what, my NTUC discount and SPG member card finally arrived. I can still remember freshly when I first came here, I always ask NTUC counter for application form but they always give me the one with credit card facility which I don't want. All I wanted is just a plain NTUC card where I can accumulate points for redemption of free goods (to save money as well). After a year here, finally I manage to get that as I finally saw a counter near Hougang Fair Price giving out application form for just NTUC card ;)

In fact, their benefit not only the point collection system but they also provide free insurance and discounts for some resort/hotel within SG and every month they will only deduct $8 straight from my bank account. So I've finally signed up and they gave me this temporary card (which I don't really want to use as it look so fake and cheapskate) :p

Since my weekly grocery shopping isn't that high, so better wait for the real 'thing' before using it right? Like now, I have real SOLID card and at least won't feel paiseh anymore :p

With this, I can now book any Costa Sands resort/hotel at discounted price (including in Sentosa). I know it's not a great hotel but the deal is good (guess $120+ per night). On the other hand, I applied this SPG (Starwood Perferred Guest) before I flew to Sydney couple of months back because they have a promo where you'll get a night stay if you booked min 3 days consecutively and so happen I was staying 4 days that time. Too bad the promo just ended when I got there and have to cancel my extension as I'm not keen to spend too much for just one extra night. Hopefully I can use it another time in the near future.

It's been a while ... a year if to be precise

Exactly one year ago, it was my Day 1 surviving at SG, setting up room, settling down my luggage and preparing myself to work for the following day. So fast, it's been a year and so happen I'm now taking train to SG ;)

Ya, since the train services for Tg Pagar ceased starting last Jul, I have never consider train is one of my main transportation choices. Main reason because it terminates at Woodlands, which require to take bus to nearest MRT station (Marsiling/Woodlands) then to city centre and the journey may take about another hour.

Why so hassle when taking coach can be good too? About 5 hours trip and can reach within the same day. It's just that I need to return to SG a day earlier but isn't that bad too as I can reach SG room around 11pm and still can do some preparation and housekeeping ;)

Back to my trip by train ... feel a bit anxious and strange even knowing this isn't my first time. Unlike previously, the seat numbering has changed from prefix 'L' to 'S' and from 4-5 decks to 2 now. This can be understood as other passengers like me will find terminating at Woodlands is very inconvenient and time consuming. Luckily I'm traveling on Friday night so I can still take my sweet time home tomorrow morning. Guess I might take taxi because so lazy to transit MRT back to HG as it might take another hour.

About 10pm, I finally reach KL Sentral and thr crowd still much more than before, maybe it's Friday. Wanted to hang out at McD but it's just too pack and stuffy so ended up with Burger King which not much crowd and cozy. Got to know my son cried right after I left and instantly my heart felt shattered but I've to keep myself strong. Know the purpose to work abroad and quickly return once accomplished.

When walking towards platform, heard the announcement that my train has been rescheduled to 11:25pm!!! WTF, when they will learn be punctual as they have been operating almost a century!!! Luckily it's not too late so I'm making use of the free slot to blog this. Hopefully the journey will be a smooth one ... Good night

After a month of consideration, finally bought it!

I have already seen this keyboard at Logitech Shop @ Mid Valley since last month. Have been hesitating whether to buy it or not because I can't find a solid reason (or should I say excuse) to buy it until today ;)

I've recently found a new solution to work remotely via my iPad so long my corporate laptop stay powered at office. There are few iPad  apps that enable you to remote into your laptop and work from iPad instead. I've tried few and find the best still Teamviewer (FOC for personal use) and SplashTop where I manage to buy at $2.99 and normal price is $16.99! Good deal eh?

Since this is a remote technology so the performance may be lag and poor depending on the 3G coverage. In KL, where I mostly get 0.5-0.8 MBps, the performance still consider acceptable and I wonder how is the performance in SG. Will test it out as soon as I'm going back this week ;)


With this, I can actually left my laptop at office at all time and I just need to remote in as and end or just in case I need to do some quick support during weekend. At KL, I can also leave my laptop on and went for 'snaking' around while people still assume I'm working :p

I do know there are built-in keyboard for iPad but sometimes it's not that practical and the screen will will be cropped in order to show they full scale keyboard. This is when a USB keyboard become handy. Bought this baby at RM199 but I remember being quote RM188 last month (Original Apple cost RM239 and battery is built-in). Maybe they know this product is fast moving so purposely marked up as per their RSP for higher margin. Smart fella.

Still can see the price tag :)

Unboxing the new toy

Slowly sliding out from the case (where the case become the iPad stand/holder)

There you go ... finally expose to daylight after packed in factory

See the arrow? That's where the battery compartment is

I can simply replace with 3 AA batteries (one hidden at right slot) unlike those with built-in battery

USB connectivity and battery indicator and power switch

Little instruction how to setup the iPad holder out of the keyboard case

Here it is ... the complete set. Blue plastic is where it hold the  iPad

I rather use the keyboard only as I've my fold able iPad case

Family Dinner at Souled Out Harts

Guess it's time to bribe my family as they knew I was recently quite happening and went for good stuffs in SG. Even my son also complaining that I always went dinner with friends so it seems I've no choice but to bring them to some new and decent place for dinner. First choice, Souled Out because they always hear about this place but never been there. Since it's been a while for me too (and rather to The Ship and Chillis) so let's do it.

Maybe it was still early and without any reservation, we were seated at a window seating with nice spot light above us. Unlike those convention tables with just candle light and some even sharing the same long bench. I also just got to know that they already have a branch along Jalan Ampang and that's much more nearer to me ... and new too.

The crowd getting bigger after we've just seated

While browsing the menu, the price seems not cheap and I can see they are bit concern as they seems want to try new stuff but afraid about the bill but I've comfort them that I can afford all that and just order whatever they desired. It's not everyday we do this so still consider ok.

I guess it's also quite sometime that we never go for a good dinner and this also compensate my anniversary dinner I suppose to buy on last August. To me, it's one stone kill few birds ;)

I've started off with a recommended Red Dragon Mojito (Dragon Fruit flavoured) by their waiter and I don't really like it, should have order the Green Apple Mojito which also another recommended drinks for that evening. Without happy hour, it cost RM19++ !!

The main course ordered were Spicy Shrimp Spaghetti for Shireen which was quite nice and with generous portion, Char grilled Chicken which is quite good and Violet loves it so much and finally a Fish Fillet Sandwich for Kai Meng and it's very tasty too. I like the breaded type fried fillet which reminds me of the good old days of Fish & Chip by Esquire Kitchen. I can't find anything similar and Esquire Kitchen no longer serve western food anymore :(

Spicy Shrimp Spaghetti

Char Grilled Chicken with Black Pepper Sauce

Fillet Sandwich

As for myself, I rewarded myself a Sirloin Steak where I've been always thought to order as I hardly take beef steak since years and it's not cheap. For this time, don't bother about that and just whack it! :p

Sirloin Steak with Garlic sauce

 During the dinner, we didn't just enjoying the nice food but we had some laugh and leisure chat as well. I find the dinner is very worthwhile and we should do this more often. Finally, the dinner is ended with following dessert, which is quite costly as they claim using Haa-gandazs Ice Cream.

Jumbo Banana Split - I like the idea of putting cornflakes at the borrom

Java Ice Cream - Thin layer of Choc brownies topped with Ice Cream

Late for bus ... for the first time!

My bus suppose to be 8am and I already woke up since 6:45am as I don't really like to attend my appointment at very last minute. About 7:15am, I started my journey back to KL and assume 45 mins is more than enough for me because today is Saturday. For the same reason, I miscalculate the timing because the train frequency will be slower on weekends as well. Train from HG normally 2-3 mins per train but weekend will be 6-9 mins.

Fine about that because I think still ok but I strike with another injury time at NEX as I need to wait for another 6 mins for Circular Line to Nicoll Highway and the time is already 7:40am. Heat beating fast and started to nervous ...

When train arrive, I still need to travel to 6 stations before reaching my destination and I know I'm going to be dead meat this time. Time tickling very fast at that period, 1 mins feels like 10 second to me :(

When I got out from the train, it was already 8am and I run like mad, in hope to be able to catch the bus. Once I reach GoldenMile, I saw my bus driving away and kinda disappointed as they normally wait for 5-10 mins. Anyhow, I still rush to the counter to explain to the counter. Knowing they have frequent bus to KL about every 30-45 mins, I've prepared myself that they will arrange the following bus for me, which is 8:30am. Not too bad as the gap seems relatives small and I also get to have my favourite Thai Beef Noodle as breakfast. Portion is just nice for a warm, soupy breakfast for me ;)

They have medium and large beef ball served with Thai glass noodle

Moving Cube again and TGIF @ Helipad

Since the opening of 7A floor, the office utilisation is kinda low and the HOD seems hard to leverage the expenses. I think the whole floor should be able to cater for 60+ pax but currently only occupied 50%. Since the SAP team is expanding and need more space so they have decided to move in and join the family. To the HOD, this seems a good news but not for the staffs like us because we were very used to the cool, cozy and quiet environment but it will be gone forever once the team move up as they often have open discussion and teleconference call. No matter how, $$$ comes first and all seating has to be re-shuffle and of course mine was impacted too. After series of discussion, I manage to find a cube which is far from SAP team and nearer to HOD but I have a feelings that it won't be my permanent seat due to my nature to work between KL/SG :(

So long my existing cube

and hello to my new cube

which located near to the main entrance. Got pros and cons lor

Ok, forget about the sad stuff and get ready to have a relax Friday! The long awaited Rec Club event has arrived and this round they have organised a chill out session at Helipad @ Central Mall. It located at roof top and was told they have cubes forming a letter "H" which meant landing zone for helicopter, cool rite? Another cool thing is, it's very near to my office ... say 10 mins of walking? It's good for drunken as they can retreat back to office if they can't really drive home :)

My fav drink of the night, Cranberry Vodka

The part started with welcome photo session where you get a chance to wear your favourite available prop and take a group photo with some fancy frames. You can see many cute and crazy expression which can be fun to see. Then the free flow of wines, cocktail and beer started and dinner buffer is served. Nothing great but the food consider ok for this kind of places. After rounds of food and drinks, we went up another floor to see the 'H' and the view from roof top is ... funtastic. You can actually see the whole night view of Clarke Quay and breezy winds passing by. I don't mind to go there again if someone invite ;)

The 'H' spot that I was talking about.

Night view of Clarke Quay

After the while, the games and ice breaking session started and everyone have their great evening and most of them were very sporting too. Guess about 9pm, the party was almost over and the crowd were getting lesser and lesser. I guess only GIS and Finance team were left there and also some drunken, as expected. I heard some of the maybe too pressured at work and even burst to tears while talking about themselves. Kinda pity but that's life ... take it or leave it. About 10+pm, I went back to office to get my backpack and have few words with others who did the same before heading home. Like myself, tonight really an eyes opener session for me because I get to see some true faces and colours from those classy and professional ladies during office hour ;)

Not sure if they remember I took this shot :p

Now you see some drunken ;)

Lonely Mid Autumn

This year, will be my first year celebrating this festive 350km away from home. The candles and lanterns that we kept since last year, will have to wait for another year in order to utilize it ... if possible. I miss the fun and laughters not only with the kids and relatives as well where you get to see the younger generation playing the lanterns and candles together, the mid generation helping and playing with the young ones and lastly the senior generation would gather around for some leisure chat while enjoying the mooncake and other assorted food.

So happen, I went googling around with the subject of today's blog as keyword and surprisingly to receive such quick response and high return hits. Guess you'll only realise and do such things when you're part of the lonely planet ;)