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For Beta Future

Like a small child, I am still enthusiastic about anything new especially in technology. This one is about moving to Blogger Beta Version.

It is able to give more flexibility to personalize one's blog site especially for non-HTML user like me.

So I have been doodling with it for several times and finally decide to migrate... yes, yet again; my blog site to this new, improved version of Blogger.com. Still in the beta stage, but the transfer for files and photos have tremendously improved when publishing my post.

Unfortunately I am not able to do write-ups from my office PC during lunch-time, suspecting security blockage from my company's firewall network.

Anyway, nothing is new about what I have to say or with my experiences. The entries are all about my impressionable look at life. Nothing "deep" only everyday trivial issues that matter to me.

If you are still reading this, then you may wish to visit my new blog site from the link below:

http://imranmd.blogspot.com for Passionate About Life PAL

I will be updating from there onwards since it is exactly what I wanted - one blog site with indexed category for easy sorting of posts.

Thank you Blogger.com! You made my, day everyday, with these improvements.

Techno | Comex 2006 Again!

Had an interesting Friday lunch today.

Together with our Customer from UK, 4 of us headed off to Comex 2006 PC Show at the Singapore Expo from our Ang Mo Kio plant.

The journey should be about 30 minutes tops by car, but I guess we were all excited and talking in the car, that our driver friend drove us all the way to Suntec City instead!

After realizing, we carried-on to the expo via Nicoll Highway, but made a wrong turn while driving in the opposite direction. We finally ended-up on East Coast Parkway Expressway and was on our way about an hour after.

Strange! All 3 of us seemed confused about the correct route to the Expo. We were very embarrassed for loosing our sense of direction. Our Customer seemed to know the way more that we were. Strange!

The PC show was a bigger event this quarter. It started yesterday, 31 August and will end this Sunday, 3 September 2006.

We had about an hour's worth of browsing.

I took the opportunity to buy 2 sets of ink cartridges for Wify's Epson MFP CX4100. At 20% off the usual price, it was worth it. A set to replace and another on standby and use for the period before then next PC show.

The next trip will be to scout for my Son's Sony 1G M2 Memory Card for his Sony Ericsson's T610 cell phone, and maybe a Scandisk 2G SD Card for my Lumix FZ10 camera.

Had a hands-on with Panasonic's newest 10.1 Mega Pixel Lumix FZ50. Super-awesome features! Would have snapped that camera up if they had a trade-in scheme or something.

Then again, my Lumix FZ10 is still my priced possession, doing wonders for me with my amateurish photography skill... if I can call it as my skill.

So many things to see, so little time to do it.

On our way back, you guessed it! Our driver friend missed the exit from ECP, so we ended up in Telok Blangah and crossed Bukit Merah to get to Central Expressway or CTE. We were back at the office at 3:00pm.

Nobody blamed anyone for the loosing our sense of direction that afternoon. I just think all 3 of us took stupid pills this morning, so we were numb to our senses.

Wonder what really went through our UK Customer's mind...

The longest lunch I had this year, but at least we enjoyed the a scenic drive.

Parents | Mom's 8th Physio

My cell phone alarm went off yesterday reminding me of Mom's physiotherapy appointment this morning at 9:15am. As usual at Tan Tock Seng Hospital Medical Centre B1.

Getting a cab is a breeze nowadays, since the fare raise. Having a bad reputation with punctuality, I am certain I can no longer use the "could not get a cab" or "no-cab-in-sight" excuse anymore, even if it was true.

The cabs are cruising empty almost everywhere I looked. Hard times for the cab drivers, but that is another story to be heard and told.

As usual, fetched both my parents at the same spot.

Mom looked particularly fresh and energetic, while Dad was kind of sleepy. They had a good day shopping with elder Sis yesterday. Good for them, they get to go out of the house.

We reached the hospital 10 minutes late, but we did not have to wait long when our queue number 0021 was called 5 minutes after we sat at the waiting area.

There Mom's Physiotherapist Ms Fong Lin was waiting with a smile as usual.

It was a proud moment for Mom when she stopped Dad pushing the wheelchair halfway and walked. She walked effortlessly with a straight posture and quick paced.


Ms Fong Lin was so impressed with her recovery. I know I was too. Dad just smiled. They did not say anything on our way to the hospital. I was indeed a pleasant surprise for me. All those trips to the therapy really bare fruition today.

She wanted to show the therapist that she has been exercising as advised and improved her condition tremendously.

The usual checks, and questions from Ms Fong Lin as she checked movements of Mom's legs, but unlike other sessions, she was not felling any sudden sharp pain anymore.

Mom was delighted, Ms Fong Lin was too. She told me she was giving an "open date" for Mom's next therapy. I told Ms Fong Lin to look at Mom's face when I told her the news.

As expected, a wide smile of relief was carved across Mom's face when she heard the news. Everyone smiled.

The moment was like a success story as the camera zoomed out and faded out.

The rest of the exercises, Mom did with zest. The last traction for year 2006 was in prone position. She hated it but persevered. I could see her face with great determination.

The attending nurse Ms Doreen was her usual chirpy self kept congratulating Mom for her quick recovery. A success story indeed today.

Of course all success stories need maintenance. Mom has to keep exercising as she has been doing at home to keep those muscles and joints healthy.

For old time sake, we had our brunch at TTSH Kopi Tiam. Both Mom and Dad had their old time favourite Yong Tau Foo while I just could not pass-off the yummy Penang Laksa.

We chatted long with our cup of coffee afterwards way passed lunch. I guess were were all in a happy mood.

To celebrate, we went... shopping! Singapore's favourite past time.

Walked across the road to Novena Square where Mom got her new watch strap adjusted at City And Chain. Both Dad and Mom were given matching watches by their grandchildren for their 58th wedding anniversary.

Stopped by Bata for Mom's new shoes. Dad was in a buying mood for Mom.

Then off we went to Causeway Point Shopping Mall; Mom's favourite shopping Mall near their home.

We took the MRT instead of the cab as usual from the hospital. Novena to Woodlands - 10 stations in all within half an hour. The journey was spent just talking. A fare of less than S$5.00 for all 3 of us as oppose to S$15.00 for a cab ride.

Did some window shopping at Causeway Point, had afternoon tea at MacDonald's. I got myself a S$2.00 brown leather belt.

Then off we went to the Bazaar outside the Mall for snacks and take-home dinners.

Sent them home and did some catching-up reading the Berita Harian past few days' issues while Mom and Dad insisted to cook my son's favourite dessert - Serawa Durian; good eaten with white bread or glutinous rice.

Left their home just after 5:00pm and get myself some "alone-time" during my 40 minutes journey home on board Service 168 from Woodlands Regional Bus Interchange back to Tampines Avenue 9.

I was ecstatic throughout the journey knowing that both Mom and Dad are now healthy and back to their happy selves again.

Life is good. Life is beautiful!

Life | Happy Anniversary FFMB!

Here's wishing...

The Most Celebrated Band in Blogland,

Happy 1st Anniversary!


Wonderful people, wonderful band, wonderful friendship!

Head down to Carol's A Revision site for the party NOW!

Get to know the band members who are celebrating right now at Carol's

Friendly Friday Flashbacks

Eat some birthday cakes!

Techno | Clear Your Gunk!

Came across an article in the Straits Times' Digital Life section on the recommended program downloads that will clear up lots... I mean lots of junk that reside in all parts of your harddisk.

What is great about it is that these are all free downloads.

Yes, free downloads are quite dangerous and very untrustworthy.

They harbour spyware, while some are malicious hiding identity-theft program, stealing your personal data, and some are just those darn embedded virus files that just make people's life hell when infected.

No, these download-ables are not malicious at all.

In fact these are from trusted sources that I swear by it. The most important of these are:

Anti-Virus Program: AVG Free Edition by Grisoft

• Link: http://free.grisoft.com

Anti-Spyware Protection: Ad-aware by Lavasoft

• Link: www.lavasoftusa.com

Registry Cleaner Program: EasyCleaner by ToniArts

• Link: http://personal.inet.fi/business/toniarts/ecleane.htm

Those in the US are so fortunate to try out for free, and eventually fall in love with the ease of use and complete protection of WindowsLive OneCare. Subscribing it with a small annual fee of USD19.90 to protect your computer.


I downloaded it and tried it with great ease of use and great ease of mind that my PC was not vulnerable to either virus or spyware. Deleting unwanted junk was a button-press away.

Unfortunately, Microsoft has not extended its support worldwide yet and I had to uninstall it when it expired 90 days later. In replacement, the above free websites offer the programs for full protection for your computer free.

These are legitimate gunk removers.

No worries, I do not get commissions. I am using them and my PC almost flies like new again!

Life | My Rainbow Connection

After the tireless stake-out after stake-out for that illusive moment of capturing the postcard-perfect picture of fireworks the whole week, I received a nice and heart-warming postcard from a friend.

It was a postcard from Club Rainbow Singapore.

The organisation that I support with donations to help out chronically ill children and their families cope with their perpetual medical expenses.

For these unfortunate but beautiful children, I wish them well.

In the front, the postcard reads:

"Look What You Have Done!"

At the back it reads:

"Your continued support of Club Rainbow has enabled some40 children warded in KK Women's and Children's Hospital to receive free bedside tuition.

These daily classes, conducted by MOE-qualified teacher, are tailored to help children catch up with the lessons that they have missed in school.

Now doesn't that feel good!"

It sure does! Rainbows in my heart.

I am able to make a difference to someone else's life with my small contribution. It is oh... so satisfying to receive good news that everyone matters.

Did not get that perfect picture, but what a perfect feeling to end the weekend.

Have you done a good deed for the day? You have!

Great! Enjoy that good feeling inside... You are a good person.

Life | Team France Fantastique!

Alright, I guess you already noticed from the title that I do not speak a word of French.

I am however, able to appreciate its fantastic finale to the Singapore Fireworks Festival 2006 held at Marina Bay last Saturday, 12 August 2006.

From Wify's shop at Bugis Village, my son and I took the TransIsland bendy-bus Service 960 at Parco Bugis Junction right to Marina Centre.

From there, we already had the left-over place to set our cameras - me with my Lumix FZ10 and my son with is Sony Ericsson K610i movie. I know, he should have brought his digicam.

He did not want to go actually, but I persuaded him to, rather than sitting at home with his NeoPets PC games that he can play anytime after he does his homework.


He was actually glad that he came and witnessed the spectacular finale Team France had to offer the thousands that came to Marina Bay. What a brilliant show it was!

We were early by 45 minutes, but knowing Singaporeans, they came even earlier, picnicking just as I have thought of planning. We all think alike here. Small island, ESP seemed strong...

I just had to set my camera underneath the Benjamin Shears Bridge. It was quite a breezy night, so it really helped a lot dissipating the body heat off from the packed crowd.

It was quite intimidating to see so many photographers with sophisticated pro-looking cameras and tripods, long and wide lenses already attached to them, ready to begin, and nothing to do but looking at me setting my "equipment."

Groups of these photographers taking about angles and exposure... pointing here and there, gesturing finger frames, planning their shoot. Interesting to listen, but I caught no balls.


Set my camera to A under A/S/M dial, ISO to 200 and test-shot several pictures of the Business District skyline. It turned out good. It was time to wait.

When it started and every camera there started clicking, I had the first few photos all blurred-out and over exposed from the LCD screen. The auto-focus was not working with me.

Panicked, I just switched it to Program mode leaving the ISO at 200 still. Only then I got the sharper pictures, lots of it.

Some are great looking, while some sucked. My timing was still off. The camera could not save fast enough for another snap to take place.

Mental Note: Buy a 1 or 2 Gigabyte high-speed SD Card end this month at the upcoming PC Show!

OK. I understand now, why the other cameras have wide-angled lenses. The place that we were was good, but just too close to fit a normal lens... thus the fancy attachments on their cameras. Duh!


Nonetheless, as a consolation, I was able to get some wonderful-looking photos for my self. Yes! Never mind the picture-perfect, postcard-looking professional photos. I got my own.

Team France did an all out finale number and got an even louder cheers and claps from the crowd. Very overwhelming, when you get to see those very large balls of sparkles right above you.

With pontoons on the river, the finale had the whole Marina Bay land and water filled with bright fireworks that lasted 15 minutes. Awesome! Just awesome.

Well, by looking at my pictures, the clear lack of photography techniques will make one assume thit was nothing much, but one has to be there to actually witness nothing less than spectacular show to appreciate it.

My son was so excited that when he showed me the video he took with his cell phone, that he unwittingly pressed the delete instead of the save button.

We looked at each other, eye brows raised. Stunned and silent for a moment, and then burst out laughing in shock. Wify will never get to see the magic Team France did.

"Ayah, why don't they make a trash can icon in the phone like PCs have?" my son asked, knowing fully it was just wishful thinking.

We can never recover the video back. There is no "restore" command!

Anyway, It was a great finale befitting the wonderful spirit of our National Day Celebrations!



Oh wait! The celebration has not finished yet!

There will be block-buster movies being screened at The Padang on a giant screen. Free for all who wishes to picnic on the open field in front of the City Hall.

Great opportunity for another session of night photography! My calendar is marked.

A picture may paint a thousand words, but this next national family outing will cast thousands of smiles. No doubt!

Yey!

Happy Birthday Singapore!

Life | Team Italy Intriguing

It was my first time taking photos of fireworks with my Panasonic Lumiz DMC-FZ10 digital camera.

The result was not at all satisfying for me, and I know the camera can do much better. I just need to know how exactly, and get opportunities to practice on it.

I think taking fireworks is the next toughest thing after taking flying insects and animals in the wild. They are never still and can never anticipate their next move.

It is already tough taking pictures in the dark at night, it is even more tricky with fireworks. Anticipating when it the fireworks will burst into brilliant sparkles for that precise moment to snap.


After taking several times, I begin to appreciate how tough it really is to take good pictures. Fireworks especially.

Everyone who thronged Marina Bay had a fair chance to snap their masterpieces, but the true-blue photographer captures incredible moments, almost unbelievable photos.

Definitely one needs a lot of interest in photography to drive ones passion to having lots of practices and sharpen one's techniques.

Having the correct "tools" definitely is a plus point, but getting to know and optimized one's camera's capabilities definitely is a must.

As for me, I guess I do not really want it bad enough to improve.


Instead, like any "touristy" shutter-bug person that I am, I will leave the skills to the camera's features to do the job... though having a high-speed SD Card will definitely help - the split-second timing required to snap another picture immediately after the previous picture is saved into the memory card.

What I have been babbling all this while is because I received an email from a friend that has photos... I mean real pro-looking photos of the first, from a series of fireworks displays from around the world in the Singapore Fireworks Festival 2006.

These are from Team Italy that was held on 5th August 2006.

Photos taken from a person named Willie Yeo. I do not know who he is, but his work is just awesome!

So perfect in my eyes that I become sceptical as to whether these photos had gone through very intense touch-ups. No messy clouds of smoke to blurry the brilliance of the sparkles.

Perfect timing with all the fireworks and streaks in symmetry. Flawless! Unbelievable...


Yes, It is true. It is my jealousy that's talking.

Anyway, do not mind me... great job Willie Yeo! Very motivating to aspiring photography buffs.

I am happy though, that I get to collect Team Italy's work that I missed watching. And from the photos, I now know where the best spot to take fireworks at Marina Bay is.

That is... only if I am willing to stake-out the place 1 or 2 hours earlier before anyone concurs the spot first.

Maybe I can have a family picnic at that spot and the fireworks as a finale to our family outing. Sounds like a good idea...

Life | Live From Home

The National Day Parade 2006 fireworks display was able to be viewed right from our home! How cool was that!

This year's national celebration was held at the Kallang National Stadium for the last time before the stadium is torn down to make way for the new Sports Hub.

Since we did not get to win free tickets to view the parade live, we watched it on TV like all previous years... but with a little difference this year.


We get to watch the fireworks right from our 5th multi-storey car park.

The parade was telecast live starting at 6:00pm and when the finale was about to begin coming to 8:00pm, we set off to the car park roof top and set our camera on a tripod there.

Surrounded by the clusters of flats, we could see children as well as adults "perched their heads" on their kitchen and bedroom windows awaiting for the fireworks to start.


The rousing sing-along of this year's My Island Home song resonated off the buildings as the children with all their might sang it while their eyes peeled to the direction of the National Stadium.

We could not see the stadium itself, the bright light shining out towards the night sky gave a very good indication of where the stadium was.

I pointed my camera toward that direction with my trigger finger ready. All set with A/S/M mode selected, Exposure with ISO 200 and 12X zoom done.

On cue, when the children from the blocks finished singing the song, the fireworks began. It was thrilling to see it live, not on TV, but on the rooftop this year.


It was the same response, just like yesterday's Marina Bay fireworks display by Team Singapore... the Wows! and the Woohoos! The cheers and the claps. My son was no exception. All so wonderful.

I get to capture the fireworks from miles away, not as spectacular as being their, but beautiful sparkles in the skies nonetheless.

We intended to go to Marina Square shopping centre, but dreaded the traffic there that will be at its worst when it going home time.

Thanks to a cab driver I happened to talk to, who told me that his family could see and have been watching live fireworks right from their 13th storey balcony in Pasir Ris. Wow!


That gave me an idea to watch is live on the car park 2 blocks away from our flat.

Too bad Wify was at her shop tonight. With some snacks and drinks, it would have been a family affair on the roof top.

Anyway, Happy National Day, Singapore!