Personal Viewpoints

Lexus IS250 aka Altezza

2012-10-17T02:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm not really into Lexus, besides the LFA, but I find the IS250 is a decent car though. IS250(to be exact, Toyota Altezza RS200, chassis code SXE10) has been featured in Initial D, driven by Nobuhiko Akiyama(the brain behind Northern Saitama alliance).

Just like any high-performance cars, it comes with FR layout, as well as AWD layout as well.

The price for a standard IS250 in Malaysia is RM282,403.30 for standard trim & RM313,183.30 for the luxury trim.

The features are:

Wiper Sensor for the luxury trim, 0-100 in 8.4 seconds at the top speed of 225km/h, LED Lamps for more energy savings, Double Wishbone for more precise steering, Power Rear Sunshade & relatively low drag coefficient of 0.28 Cd(compared to Prius's 0.25Cd).

Ecclesiastes Chapter 6 - Enjoy what you have

2012-09-22T04:05:00.002-07:00

Be proactive, take initiative. We've heard it every time. But how are we going to do it? I just figured out few minutes ago, before typing the 1st letter into this post, that it's impossible to stuff all our appointments into our timetable, without reasonable time for rest. As we know, whenever you step out and meet people, you're putting your own reputation on the line. In order to improve your personal reputation you must make preparation beforehand for the appointment and post mortem as well.

Now back to the main topic. The book of ecclesiastes is an emo book in the bible. The spoiler is out, and as we know there's only 2 things we need to be reminded. Enjoy what you have. Edrick told me 3 years ago that you must enjoy whatever you have & one of my friend mentioned it yesterday as well.

2ndly, the Lord is the ultimate judge in everybody's actions. . We do not need to prove the atheist wrong, or to prove a point to anyone, just for the sake of proving a point.

That's al I can figure out for now. I learn a few phrases though. 'You don't need to prove the atheist wrong'.

TMIKL Visit 22/5/2012

2012-05-26T06:45:00.000-07:00

This evening, I've joined TMIKL, the original Toastmasters Club & 1st club in South East Asia. It's 34 years old, while the members did not stay for that long. It's a great club.

For your info, it's held it's held in Bankers' Club, some sort of high-end end in the middle of City Centre, the Amoda Building(opposite Berjaya Times Square).

When I walked into the Bankers Club, I was greatly impressed. I was wondering does all the top bankers meet here for a regular chat? The ambience is great.

The 1st person I met is Lim Yee Kang of Ranhill Engineering. After a hiatus of 17 months, it's refreshing to see the new & minimalist logo. There are people from ING as well (I presume they transfer their membership en-bloc to the club)

As usual, whenever there is table topic session, I would be the 1st person to present. My performance may be below par, but I still enjoy my speech.

They're doing their project speeches & they're able to maintain a chartered strength (ie: 20 members for each club).

At the end of their meeting, they have their own AGM to elect their EXCO members.

458 Italia in 2012 FIA GT1 Championship

2012-05-03T20:11:00.001-07:00

Like any normal day, on a quiet weekend, I surf the net, searching for the articles that caught my interest. This is it. 458 Italia, is used as a competition car by AF Corse.

Mean machine: Due to FIA regulations, 458 loses the deformed winglet, it's most important feature.

The FIA GT1 championship is sanctioned by FIA(follow all the rulings). This season is marked with an important regulation changes. In order to encourage manufacturers to join the race, the FIA has changed allowed GT3 cars(less powerful) to compete together with GT1 cars(ie: Audi R8 & Lamborghini Murcielago).

As a result, AF Corse has pensioned off the 'cousin' of Ferrari Enzo, Maserati MC12 Corsa, maybe they want to cut cost?

'Driven' this car on Forza Motorsport. Quite challenging, just like an American Muscle Car.

Anyhow, it's nice to see Ferrari's dueling out with the rest, outside Ferrari championship.

Oh, by the way, here's the specs!

Ferrari 458 Italia(coupe version, fixed-roof)

Dimensions and Weight

Overall length-4527 mm (178.2 in.)
Overall width-1937 mm (76.3 in.)
Height-1213 mm (47.8 in.)

Wheelbase-2650 mm (104.3 in.)

Dry weight-1380 kg (3042 lbs)*

Weight/power ratio-2.42 kg/CV (7.16 lbs/kW)
Weight distribution front/rear-42%/58%

Tyres
Front-235/35 ZR20 8.5”
Rear-295/35 ZR20 10.5”

Engine
Type-V8 – 90°
Total displacement-4499 cc (274.5 cu in.)

Performance
Maximum power-570 CV (419 kW)** @ 9000 rpm
Maximum torque-540 Nm (398 lbs/ft) @ 6000 rpm
Specific power output-127 CV/l

Compression ratio-12.5:1

Performance
Maximum speed : >325 km/h (>202 mph)(Better than Enzo)
0-100 km/h:<3.4 s

Fuel Consumption + Emissions

Fuel consumption***:13.3/100 km
Emissions***:307 g CO2/km

Gearbox-Dual-clutch, 7-speed F1

Electronics
E-Diff3
F1-Trac
high-performance ABS

Note*
With forged wheels and Racing seats

**
Including 5 CV of ram effect***
Combined cycle (ECE+EUDC)

Source: Ferrari website(http://www.ferrari.com/English/GT_Sport%20Cars/CurrentRange/458-Italia/Performance_Figures/Pages/Technical_Sheet_458-Italia.aspx)

Let's recap that 458 features the new deformable winglet(that reduces drag & increases straight line speed)

Here's the picture to illustrate my point.

To my fellow colleagues, have a nice holidays!

Rallying point: Bersih from my optical view point

2012-05-03T01:38:00.000-07:00

Guys, it's an open secret that I've attended Bersih/Kotor rally, depending on your viewpoint. I have decided to take to the street to voice out my genuine concern, even if that day supposed to be my last day on earth.

My friends asked me, why am I still around.

I have something to do in Klang. Therefore I depart around 11:30am to KL Station.

In KL Station, there is already huge crowds assembling outside the Central Market area.

These are the pictures taken outside KL Station:

As I move on, some of us has Yellow Birds & Green Birds for the 1st time. We were chanting Bersih to the tune of Ole!!!

My priority was to find my college friends, & I've marched along Jalan Pudu till Jalan Tun Perak. The police truck also retreated along Jalan Tun Perak. Since there is no one beside me, I've asked someone to take a photograph of me.(Note, the earphone is my subsitute to my earplug, as a precaution to the rumored ear-attack-device brought by PDRM).

I saw all the famous faces, as well as the strong crowds along the usually busy roads. And I sat on these roads that I thread on, everytime I head back to home.

I've met my friend & friend's-friend, Emay & Shaun.

Since I was behind, I don't really know what is really happening out there. I'm using my memory here, without being influenced by reports from online newsportals. I only know that people are enthusiastically wanting to occupy the historic green field. The word were spreading that we can enter dataran.(So, I thought the police were nice, allowing us to enter dataran).

It feels great to see every Malaysians coming out, regardless of ethnic background. However, there is loud bangs in front. I presumed all the Yellow Birds were burst. I thought wrong. I saw the sprays of water cannon, then the throwing of water bottles & the shot of tear gas & I'm confused. We're stuck. We can't move much. Everyone was forced to retreat along Jalan Raja Laut. I just feel 'betrayed'. 'Everything went well, we did not act violent, why shot several tear gas? Not one?' I said in my heart.

I seek respite in the washroom, & I saw, I swear I saw Ambiga was also a victim of tear gas. Why? My request to snap her picture was declined because the international media will cover the news. Even after getting out from the washroom, the odour of tear gas is suffocating my nose. Cursings were yelled at the police. The men in blue, the protector of public safety, has become a symbol of hatred among peaceful protestors. I too, took down the DBKL banner.

As I rejoined, the crowds has dispersed. I tried contacting my friends, but there is no signal. I avoid twittering & facebooking for the latest information to conserve phone battery. I just know that I'm moving away & away from the city centre, dancing by the tune of 'Party Rock Anthem' before stopping by Grand Seasons Hotel for minor treatment. The staffs were polite enough to decline my monetary gift.

I just keep walking till Titiwangsa STAR LRT Station, going to Masjid Jamek Putra LRT Station to KL Sentral & back to Klang, as requested by my family member. Journey back home were not that simple too. As I pass by Bandaraya Station, I can only see the heavily fortified Dataran Merdeka, as if as the field itself is a covert-military-installation-which-doubled-as-future-secret-nuclear-silo, which is off-limits to civilians like us. Only the arrested has the chances to occupy... the roadside & I saw the convoy of Traffic policemens coming into a junction near Masjid Jamek like a Harley Davidson gangs, supplementing the efforts of the rest of the police force, with an order from above that is, and never will be disobeyed, even with RM1000 bribe. Masjid Jamek is off limits!!! I have to change at Hang Tuah, before making the dreaded stop at KL Sentral Monorail.

Once the trains stop at KL Sentral, the crowd is no longer a concern for me. I just wanna go home. At platform 5, I switched on to Malaysiakini news on Bersih & it's announced that Ambiga has told us to disperse at 2:34pm!? At that time, I was in front of DBKL building & I don't know.

Once in the train, my parents made a call, all the way from Beijing. They told me to quickly come back out of genuine concern. I told them, I'm on KTM bound to Port Klang. Every one shares their '~~war~~clean-time' stories. One mid-aged Malay gentleman vowed 'not to let their sons to enter police force', lest their sons will face public anger. Most of their stories were familiar to my ears, but we were proud that we have delivered a strong message that is not carried on to mainstream papers.

I only read about the reports around late at night.

PS: My wounds & map.

Bersih Map:

Special Discovery

2012-05-02T23:50:00.001-07:00

Today, I digged out a souvenieur that bear Steve Jobs iconic motto.(ACSians, you might wanna take a look!)

At 1st, I don't know what it means till his demise, last year.

I always have a high regard for AirAsia, Apple, Toyota &etc; several other big companies out there, because they are able to provide a innovative solution to out-play their competitors out there.

Are you Serious!? New Kawasaki Ninja 250R can go up to 17000rpm?

2012-04-09T04:16:00.004-07:00

Most B2 license holders knows that the most powerful bikes they can ride is the 250 RR.

Wait! There's more. According to one salesman from KL, the latest 250 can rev up to 17000 rpm!? Do you know how does that feel like!? That's as high as an F1 engine... A race engine.

This is surely a bike for you if:

1. Got B2 license

2. You're cheap

3. Unwilling to pay for an Aprilia 125, which is more expensive than 250.

As for now, I can't confirm this fact yet. I'm trying my best to find out more.

Ferrari Smartphone

2011-07-14T00:31:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, there is an European company with humble beginnings. They were the trendsetters, before Steve Jobs decide to enter their market. That's right Nokia. Nokia is losing out in smartphone industry. And my faithful 1680 classic gave it's last breath after the Bersih 2.0, because I was sprayed by the water cannon. I decided to buy myself a Acer Ferrari Smartphone(which is a Liquid S100)

Let's get into the details, shall we?

The pros:

Great phone for fellow Tifosi
Can open several windows(for browsing)
Nice design

The cons:

Poor battery life: The battery can last ~13 hours when you browse & multitask a lot, so far, I'm testing if there's any problem with my battery
Poor bluetooth design: The design is great, but not practical for an adult as the volume button is too small. Perhaps, they should consider putting one button on each side to avoid confusion.
No SDXC format: For starters, SDXC is a SD format that can supports up to 2TB of memory(theoretically). The current SDSC can support up to 32GB, which is a bummer if you're planning to store tons of pics, music, video & etc on this smartphone.

On a personal note, this smartphone using prepaid plan, but it does not affect my mobility at all. It complement my present laptops & netbooks & it replaces my prized blue iPod Nano 5th Generation(RM599+free accessories in good condition*). I'm hoping there's someone will come and buy my iPod(selling for RM450).

*Terms and conditons apply

Adios Fabregas, well done Van Persie

2010-07-12T06:22:00.000-07:00

After 120 minutes, Spain become the 8th nation to win the World Cup, thanks to the goal setted up by Cesc Fabregas, netted byAndres Iniesta. As for Netherlands, their only consolation is that they become 2nd for three times, surpassing Czechslovakia and Hungary, which reached the final for 2 occasions, in which they become 9th most successful team.

As for Malaysian national football team, there is a possible new dawn, a renaissance of all sort, after decades of despair, perhaps we can recapture our past glory. In 1982, we lose out to Kuwait for 2 World Cup spots, reserved for AFC & OFC team. This time, we have to be realistic. Let's aim for AFF Asean Nations Cup(Tiger Cup), maintain SEA games gold medal in 2011, improve rankings by 40 in year 2014 to 100. Then next, aim for 2nd round in 2015 Asian Cup. Then in 2018, let aim for top 60. By 2022, we would have a strong position to qualify, as our ranking would be around 40-50(fyi, MAS highest Elo ranking is 49, FIFA, 75. FIFA ranking started at 1995, in which our team started to rot.)

As for Arsenal, I hope they will start winning a title, since the Emirates debt should be 80% repayed.

Every WC bring me sweet memories. I once asked my mum in 1998, why MAS is not in WC. My mom said "We did not qualify." 'What does that mean?' I've asked her. "It means we're not good enough." "Nevermind. When I'm grown up, I'll play for our national team & we will qualify." I said, with a determined heart. She told me "It's impossible". Too bad it's true. Without good stamina, skills, & shots, I cannot be a pro player at the 1st place.

Adios Fabregas(if you think of leaving the Gunners). I hope you will stay, but nevertheless, you have contributed a lot to the team. Well done van Persie. Just work harder. Perhaps you could win the WC.

2 World Cup MV's

2010-07-10T22:13:00.000-07:00

The former is an official one, while the latter is an informal one, in which for the 1st time, featured English translation for the benefit of non-Chinese speaker. Both have a very meaningful lyrics.

Shakira's version: Waka Waka (This time for Africa)
Namewee's version: 放半粒 (Handicap Goal)

ESP vs NED facts: No matter who wins, Ars beat Mnu in FIFA 2010 World Cup

2010-07-10T22:09:00.000-07:00

In short, this is a dream final for every Gooners. 2 teams with Arsenal players, no Man U players. At least, this comforts us, because it's been 5 seasons, since 04/05, we got no trophy. Man, this sucks! I personally knew an ex-gooners supporting the Catalan team(ie: Barcelona a.k.a. Barca), because of these drought.

For more info:
Netherlands
Spain
Statistics

World Cup Fever!!

2010-06-17T01:27:00.000-07:00

Well, guys, as you know, I'm rooting for North Korea to do well in World Cup, even before the 2006 Qualifier, where they flunked out. Now, they did very well, and as usual, make AFC member states proud of them, against Brazil. Brazil always beat AFC(Australia was in OFC) teams by 4 goals, Malaysia for 2002 warm-up (4-0), China for 2002 group match (4-0), & Japan (4-1).

Btw, I plan to make a wc video, using Shakira's song as a background, playing futsal in HICT Futsal Court. It's for fun, and promote our college, somehow. I hope someone can help. :)

Happy Holidays

2010-04-08T01:59:00.000-07:00

Yahhoo! Finally it's over. Now I need to get a good rest and that's it!

No longer hiding

2010-01-14T01:42:00.001-08:00

This year, due to certain circumstances, it's difficult to hide my identity in the blog. So, therefore, from now onwards, I will not make any effort to conceal my identity in this part of cyberspace.

Freudian slip! Deputy Home Minister Abu Seman Yusop UNCONSIOUSLY SAID THAT CITIZENSHIP IS GIVEN BY THE BASIS OF LOYALTY TOWARDS THE GOVERNMENT(ie: BN)

2009-11-10T18:37:00.000-08:00

From NTV7, government controlled TV in their 8pm news at 10/11/2009, which was yesterday, the Deputy Home minister told the Parliament on the question of citizenship, that they are not going to relax the rule, even for the sake to recruit skilled workers. He further said that 'citizenship is based on loyalty to the (Federal)government(the ruling party, Barisan Nasional), er i mean the country.' Now I understand how our citizenship process works out.

A trip to Low Yat at 22/8/2009

2009-08-26T03:34:00.000-07:00

This trip is basically planned in a last minute as I was undecided on what should I do for the last days of my holiday. As an enviromentalists I planned to take a 40 minute walk from my home in Southern Park to Taman Gembira Teluk Gadong Station to save fuel. My mum disagreed and we had argued and I relent after listening to her reasonings.

So as usual, I purchase a return ticket to KL Sentral cost RM7.40 and once arriving, I struggled to find a touch n go store for me to buy the card. I had to ask twice in order to get to buy the card. I bought a RM10 touch n go card in which RM10 purchase fee is waived. So I went to KL Sentral Monorail station. And damn! They had decided to develop the land in between KL Sentral Monorail and KL Sentral which once has a pedestrian walkway and we pedestrian has to talk a long way to reach the monorail! So I use my card in the monorail to Imbi station, which stands in between Times Square and Plaza Berjaya. Low Yat Plaza was around there.

Once I stepped out, I started to look for Low Yat plaza. So, I went in a circle until I asked a Malay couple where is Low Yat plaza. Then finally, I found Low Yat plaza! So when I was inside the plaza, I was suprised to see contemporary looking mall, which I thought it would be backward since Low Yat plaza has been around for long time.

So I took a walk around which lasts about 2 hours. I managed to find 2 lenovo shops in Low Yat itself! I managed to see a some Computer models that are unavailable in Klang like Alienware, Twinhead/Twincam and my one of my favorite is Lenovo All-in-one PC and a Lenovo netbook which costs RM6K as it uses Intel Centrino or Core 2 Duo instead of Intel Atom processor.

Before 5, I quickly go back home. As in KTM, I realised sometimes life is meaningless, as I could see those computer stuff, but unable to buy it due to fear of warranty, and u have to go back all the way to Low Yat. So I just feel empty in my heart, which I have no idea how to fill it. I'm sure that material wealth will not fill in this emptiness.

Prom night 2009: One of the happiest days in my life

2009-08-20T20:07:00.000-07:00

Prom night was one of the happiest days in my life as I'm experiencing new enviroments.

In the 1st Klang Boys Brigade (fyi, the Boys Brigade is the oldest body uniform movement in the world), we put in pride on the uniformity of our movement, the loud voice of the commander(BER-----GERAK KE---KANAN, BERTIGA------TIGA, KE---KANAN----,(PU is ommited)SING), and the posture of our body, in which our hands are firm, and last but not least, we are one in vision, one in mission and one in division. As in the prom night, I'm experiencing and celebrating the best side of my individuality, since as a conformist and a conservatist, I do not view such party in a positive manner due to negative connotations attched to it through the mass media.

Furthermore, I have experienced the warmness of friendship with people like Mervyn who has left Malaysia to his homeland ,Sarsie and others longtime buddies, and the opportunities to mix with the freshmen.

Last but not least, I have managed to find, not my true love but a dancing partner. Her name is Fion Tan(on the right). According to Mike, she's damn pretty, which means my prayers has come, true, partially. Btw, I can only gave her a fake rose.

Overall, the prom night has been meaningful to me as it gives me greater sense of confidence and I broke my curse in a superb fashion.

Being touched

2009-05-28T04:27:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, there's a boy who is always alone by himself. He thought that he is always alone in this world, until recently. I thought that I must achieve something great to be accepted by others. Now, I have been accepted by some people around me no matter what happen. For now, I learn to appreciate the good things in life. I'll try to enjoy the college life. Btw, I love college life, compared to Primary school, which acts like a jail & Secondary School which is a living hell, except the Boys' Brigade company, even though its tough.

Big Mess

2008-11-04T00:25:00.000-08:00

Ai. Since its the 1st day, there are a lot of things I don't know! Futhermore, I did not open my mail yet due to some problem. The CEO & COO are very corncerned about this & they will be having some headache. Well, there is certainly some complain on me. Some are real.

Long... Holiday

2008-10-22T22:23:00.000-07:00

I having a long break until 2009/01. BTW I'm doing some direct selling.