Tuesday, 30 October 2007

It's one of the golden rules of the natural world – birds live in trees,
fish live in water. The trouble is, no one bothered to tell the mangrove
killifish.

Scientists have discovered that it spends several months of every year
out of the water and living inside trees.

Hidden away inside rotten branches and trunks, the remarkable creatures
temporarily alter their biological makeup so they can breathe air.

Biologists studying the killifish say they astonished it can cope for
so long out of its natural habitat.

The discovery, along with its ability to breed without a mate, must make
the mangrove killifish, Rivulus marmoratus Poey, one of the oddest fish
known to man.

Around two inches long, they normally live in muddy pools and the flooded
burrows of crabs in the mangrove swamps of Florida, Latin American and Caribbean.

The latest discovery was made by biologists wading through swamps in Belize
and Florida who found hundreds of killifish hiding out of the water in the
rotting branches and trunks of trees.

The fish had flopped their way to their new homes when their pools of water
around the roots of mangroves dried up. Inside the logs, they were lined up
end to end along tracks carved out by insects.

Dr Scott Taylor of the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands
Programme in Florida admitted the creatures were a little odd.

"They really don't meet standard behavioural criteria for fish," he told
New Scientist magazine.

Although the cracks inside logs make a perfect hiding place, conditions
can be cramped. The fish – which are usually fiercely territorial – are
forced to curb their aggression.

Another study, published earlier this year, revealed how they alter their
bodies and metabolism to cope with life out of water.

Their gills are altered to retain water and nutrients, while they excrete
nitrogen waste through their skin.

These changes are reversed as soon as they return to the water.

Previously their biggest claim to fame was that they are the only known
vertebrate – animal with a backbone – to reproduce without the need for a mate.

Killifish can develop both female and male sexual organs, and fertilise
their eggs while they are still in the body, laying tiny embryos into the water.

They are not the only fish able to breathe air. The walking catfish of
South-east Asia has gills that allow it to breathe in air and in water.

The climbing perch of India can suffocate in water unless it can also gulp in air.

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dreamed of racing on 11:16 am

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Sunday, 28 October 2007

i was walking down orchard road on a weekday afternoon and then realised
that most of the drivers are ladies.. and this make me wonder, the men are
working hard in the office and the wives having great time shopping?
haha.. driving and shopping in orchard road esp. during weekday is not
cheap.. i guess they are all "Tai Tai".. oh this remind me of the DAMN
ERP that increased up to $5! i wonder why they can't see it juz won't work..
maybe yes at the beginning.. we all know what's the real reason behind
for raising ERP..its always like this.. LTA need to get back the money spent
on building KPE.. or whatever.. so coincidence, raise in ERP marked the
opening of KPE phase 1.. with price keep increasing for owning a vehicle,
i doubt it'll encourage the workers to drive.. on one hand, its getting
more and more expensive to own a vehicle, on the other, the govt hope
that not only bosses but also workers are able to drive to work..
contradicting isn't it..

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dreamed of racing on 9:40 am

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Saturday, 27 October 2007

went to fx's parent shop to have breakfast.. think he'd given up
on ignis sport.. kenji and him are planning for permas go-kart
next sat..

spent the whole day doing up my car.. old car ma.. haiz..
changed air-con compressor, valve, drier, filter, top up gas..
changed left wheel ball bearing and servicing, end up spending
more then $500.. dad say it'll cost a couple more hundereds if i
go do some where else.. although dad had closed his garage for
quite some time, he still have friends who always give special
discount when i sent my car to them.. i still have a couple
of more stuff to do up and hopefully, i can do a respray before
CNY..

heard news from tv that singapore will open up a new race track
near changi.. its not another F1 track definitely.. its too small
anyway.. should be A1 or other rally.. if i'm not mistaken, a
20-hectare off changi coast road(the long straight stretch of road)
will be used for the track.. if nothing go wrong, it should be up
by 2011.. can't wait!

0 comments
dreamed of racing on 11:54 pm

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Friday, 26 October 2007

要怎样才能心安，就是要无心。
心本无所住，找不到心；
心原是尽虚空遍法界 。

-广钦老和尚

这句话让我想起了五祖在金刚经点悟六祖的那一句：
应无所住，而生其心。

0 comments
dreamed of racing on 10:44 am

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Wednesday, 24 October 2007

原来我比你还心慌
看你行色匆忙
这次你已经决定了方向喔
我只能站在这里望

喔 baby 是你看我变得坚强
是你让候鸟不再往南
baby 是你要我停泊停航
是你让四季都有阳光

你可以笑我痴笑我疯笑我狂
我留你的手绝对不放
我的心好慌意好乱人好烦
有你的地方才叫做天堂

你可以笑我痴笑我疯笑我狂
纵然我为你遍体鳞伤
我的梦好长夜好凉爱好难
有你的时光爱才能飞扬

但愿你比我还软心肠
不说好聚好散
永远你是我投奔的方向喔
别陷我在泪里迷惘

遍体鳞伤－古皓　词：黄一雄　曲：许卿耀　编曲：王继康　专辑：遍体鳞伤



声音很坦白，音乐也很真挚。对音乐的感情令人感动。可惜只发了一张唱片。
后来转做幕后，偶尔有些主题曲或者合唱。与陈绮贞、陈建骐、李格弟、
黄心心及黄小祯等等合作几米音乐《地下铁》、《微笑的鱼》。
与陈伟以及Peter Wong联手打造小美第一张翻唱专辑《美乐地Melody》。
并且为小美创作了《我知道我会哭》。蔡依林《假装》、《大医院小医师》、
侯湘婷《昨天今天明天》等，均出自他的手。还参加陈冠蒲的演唱会，
不过与小美的合作看起来还算是比较多些，并且成绩不错。

曾有一次，古皓在一项比赛中拿过0分的台风！ 因为他上场时忽然临时起意
脱下鞋子赤脚上台引进评判的注目。其中一位评判坚持在台风一项给了他0分，
因为觉得他不尊重。即使如此，古皓还是在后来以独特而天份洋溢的嗓音进入
决赛，并且以‘你怎么舍得我难过’获独唱组冠军。当时在台下担任评判的
李富兴老师便给了这位赤足天才，心目中独一无二的100分。

我记得《遍体鳞伤》是一部早期新加坡电视连续剧的主题曲。从那时就已经
非常喜欢这首歌了，特别是开头和结尾的编曲。933也曾经在晚间常常播放。
不过这首歌也不是很红。我喜欢的很多歌曲都不是很红的，除了周杰伦外。
我想因为是听比较多创作歌手的歌。

0 comments
dreamed of racing on 11:53 pm

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Saturday, 20 October 2007

Sea Village in Langkawi Lagoon Resort











i'd been dreaming of staying at those sea village built on stilt with typical
malay traditional architectural design years ago.. it used to cost alot and now
its having promotions for singaporean and malaysian.. less then SGD$250 per adult
for twin sharing, 3D2N.. less then SGD$200 for triple sharing.. now, anyone
interested? the promotions only offered till 30 Nov 07..

http://www.langkawi-resorts.com/langkawilagoon/rates.htm

0 comments
dreamed of racing on 12:29 am

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Friday, 19 October 2007

10 Easy Arithmetic Tricks

1. The 11 Times Trick

We all know the trick when multiplying by ten - add 0 to the end of the number,
but did you know there is an equally easy trick for multiplying a two digit number
by 11? This is it:

Take the original number and imagine a space between the two digits, in this example
we will use 52:

5_2

Now add the two numbers together and put them in the middle:

5_(5+2)_2

That is it - you have the answer: 572.

If the numbers in the middle add up to a 2 digit number, just insert the second
number and add 1 to the first:

9_(9+9)_9

(9+1)_8_9

10_8_9

1089 - It works every time.

2. Quick Square

If you need to square a 2 digit number ending in 5, you can do so very easily
with this trick. Mulitply the first digit by itself + 1, and put 25 on the end.
That is all!

252 = (2x(2+1)) & 25

2 x 3 = 6

625

3. Multiply by 5

Most people memorize the 5 times tables very easily, but when you get in to
larger numbers it gets more complex - or does it? This trick is super easy.

Take any number, then divide it by 2 (in other words, halve the number).
If the result is whole, add a 0 at the end. If it is not, ignore the remainder
and add a 5 at the end. It works everytime:

2682 x 5 = (2682 / 2) & 5 or 0

2682 / 2 = 1341 (whole number so add 0)

13410

Let’s try another:

5887 x 5

2943.5 (fractional number (ignore remainder, add 5)

29435

4. Multiply by 9

This one is simple - to multiple any number between 1 and 9 by 9 hold both hands in
front of your face - drop the finger that corresponds to the number you are
multiplying (for example 9×3 - drop your third finger) - count the fingers before
the dropped finger (in the case of 9×3 it is 2) then count the numbers after
(in this case 7) - the answer is 27.

5. Multiply by 4

This is a very simple trick which may appear obvious to some, but to others
it is not. The trick is to simply multiply by two, then multiply by two again:

58 x 4 = (58 x 2) + (58 x 2) = (116) + (116) = 232

6. Calculate a Tip

If you need to leave a 15% tip, here is the easy way to do it. Work out 10%
(divide the number by 10) - then add that number to half its value and you have
your answer:

15% of $25 = (10% of 25) + ((10% of 25) / 2)

$2.50 + $1.25 = $3.75

7. Tough Multiplication

If you have a large number to multiply and one of the numbers is even, you can
easily subdivide to get to the answer:

32 x 125, is the same as:
16 x 250 is the same as:
8 x 500 is the same as:
4 x 1000 = 4,000

8. Dividing by 5

Dividing a large number by five is actually very simple. All you do is multiply
by 2 and move the decimal point:

195 / 5

Step1: 195 * 2 = 390
Step2: Move the decimal: 39.0 or just 39

2978 / 5

step 1: 2978 * 2 = 5956
Step 2: 595.6

9. Subtracting from 1,000

To subtract a large number from 1,000 you can use this basic rule: subtract all
but the last number from 9, then subtract the last number from 10:

1000
-648

step1: subtract 6 from 9 = 3
step2: subtract 4 from 9 = 5
step3: subtract 8 from 10 = 2

answer: 352

10. Assorted Multiplication Rules

Multiply by 5: Multiply by 10 and divide by 2.
Multiply by 6: Sometimes multiplying by 3 and then 2 is easy.
Multiply by 9: Multiply by 10 and subtract the original number.
Multiply by 12: Multiply by 10 and add twice the original number.
Multiply by 13: Multiply by 3 and add 10 times original number.
Multiply by 14: Multiply by 7 and then multiply by 2
Multiply by 15: Multiply by 10 and add 5 times the original number, as above.
Multiply by 16: You can double four times, if you want to. Or you can multiply by 8 and then by 2.
Multiply by 17: Multiply by 7 and add 10 times original number.
Multiply by 18: Multiply by 20 and subtract twice the original number (which is obvious from the first step).
Multiply by 19: Multiply by 20 and subtract the original number.
Multiply by 24: Multiply by 8 and then multiply by 3.
Multiply by 27: Multiply by 30 and subtract 3 times the original number (which is obvious from the first step).
Multiply by 45: Multiply by 50 and subtract 5 times the original number (which is obvious from the first step).
Multiply by 90: Multiply by 9 (as above) and put a zero on the right.
Multiply by 98: Multiply by 100 and subtract twice the original number.
Multiply by 99: Multiply by 100 and subtract the original number.

0 comments
dreamed of racing on 2:21 pm

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Thursday, 18 October 2007

The F1 Singapore Grand Prix is slated to debut on 28 September 2008 on a
street circuit of public roads around the Marina Bay area. Already billed by
many as one of the most dramatic and atmospheric races on the calendar,
the proposed 5.05km long street circuit offers multiple overtaking
opportunities as well as fast and challenging turns.

The F1 Singapore Grand Prix will be first street race in Asia and is one of
three races in the 2008 F1 calendar to run anticlockwise. Subject to final
safety clearances, the race will be the first held at night in F1 history.

Set against the backdrop of downtown Singapore, drivers and spectators alike
will get a glimpse of the exotic garden city as the circuit winds past an
intriguing blend of historic landmarks such as the City Hall and modern-day
buildings such as the iconic Esplanade.

All eyes will be on the technically challenging circuit that will test
drivers and their cars as they are likely to reach a maximum speed in excess
of 300 km per hour.

A new 1.2km road that forms eastern section of the circuit will also be
constructed alongside the pit building. Work on the pit building is scheduled
to be completed by end May 2008.

With strategically located grandstands and hospitality suites, spectators will
be assured of a great view of the action and an unforgettable F1 experience.

Corporate hospitality suites and packages are on sale from end November 2007,
with sale of three-day passes to the public due to start in December 2007.
Single-day passes will be released for sale in the new year, subject to
available inventory.


*Circuit details and night race is subject to confirmation by
Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA)

more links..
Singapore Grand Prix
Formula One Official Website
3D Singapore F1 Route

0 comments
dreamed of racing on 1:59 pm

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Wednesday, 17 October 2007

The Right Brain vs Left Brain test ... do you see the dancer turning
clockwise or anti-clockwise?

If clockwise, then you use more of the right side of the brain and
vice versa.

Most of us would see the dancer turning anti-clockwise though you can
try to focus and change the direction; see if you can do it.

LEFT BRAIN FUNCTIONS
uses logic
detail oriented
facts rule
words and language
present and past
math and science
can comprehend
knowing
acknowledges
order/pattern perception
knows object name
reality based
forms strategies
practical
safe

RIGHT BRAIN FUNCTIONS
uses feeling
"big picture" oriented
imagination rules
symbols and images
present and future
philosophy & religion
can "get it" (i.e. meaning)
believes
appreciates
spatial perception
knows object function
fantasy based
presents possibilities
impetuous
risk taking

i'm more to the right brain, but i can see the figure turn anti-clockwise
easily.. its a mind thingy, its not changing direction ramdomly..
if you still can't change the direction, try focus on the legs..
the outer leg is where your mind will change the direction.. if you look
at the inner leg, its only rotating clockwise.. cause the feet is flat
and not at an angle where illusion can occurred..

3 comments
dreamed of racing on 11:47 pm

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Tuesday, 16 October 2007

i love to take photographs.. photographs are history, history bring
back memories.. be it good or bad, its part and parcel of your life..
i'd gone to many places again only to find that it had changed..
suddenly, the place become so new to me.. and i never even take a
picture of it earlier.. one of them is amk central, another is the
old merlion, changi beach, ubin, tanjong rhu, kallang riverside etc..

the oldest photograph i'd ever seen is my great grandparent which i
think taken in 1930s.. the old photograph can also considered as an
antique, juz that its only of value to my family.. i also keep some
old stuff like old dollars notes, old coins and stamps.. grandpa had
the same hobby as me.. he had some very old s'pore notes that was used
during the british colony before japanese occupation.. before he
passed away, he told grandma that these notes should never be sold
and to be passed down to us.. the oldest thing i have are only stamps
during the japanese occupation.. 50 years later, i'll also follow
grandpa and pass it down to my grand children..

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dreamed of racing on 9:03 am

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Friday, 12 October 2007

leaving changi jetty..


one of the kelong along the way


approaching ubin..


a kampong hut by the sea..


jejawi tower..


20-metre above and you'll see this..


the visitor cottage..


pekan quarry..


wild boar.. according to local, lots of them in ubin..


2 old sampans at sungei mamam..


the famous dam..


summit of ubin quarry..


one of my favourite shot..


late evening scenery from ubin jetty..

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dreamed of racing on 8:14 pm

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Wednesday, 10 October 2007

went to ubin with wx and guoxiong today.. since our last visit there 3½
years ago, much had changed to chek jawa.. we had a great day there..
the weather is great and there's not much people on the weekday..
upon alighting from the bum boat, we're greeted by a sea gull..

for a start, we head straight to chek jawa as we're quite interested in
the jejawi tower and the boardwalk.. the tower which i think at least
8-storey high offered a fascinating view of chek jawa! we're on the top
of the tower enjoying the scenery, the winds and the sunshine as guoxiong
took out his suntan lotion.. we saw some birds but they are too far to
capture even on my 10x zoom camera.. we stay up there till the winds
subsided and went down for the broadwalk..

there's actually not much to see as its on the medium tide.. beside
the usual mud skippers, we only saw frog and lots of seaweed.. i was still
wondering whether we could see a crocodile.. haha.. the rock which we took
photograph during our last visit is no longer there.. so is the old well
where wx used to play sedako.. ;)

next we went to the visitor centre.. it is an old cottage built in the 1930s
and then later restored into a visitor centre in Dec 2006.. an interesting
feature of the cottage is the fireplace.. i think its the only one in
s'pore.. there's also a new jetty in front of the cottage but is not in use..
guess its for emergency use.. there's no logic for boats to stop so near
to a preserved area..

oh another new thing worth mentioning is the Ketam Mountain Bike Park..
altough its still building in progress, the "Dirt Skill Track" is really fun!
but one need to have very good balancing skills and courage to handle
the track especially the middle one which is the most challenging!
in the end, both of them could only take on the easier one.. haha..

after the exciting dirt track, we went up to ubin summit again.. 60 meters
above sea level is another view you should never had missed! while scouting
for track up the summit, i saw a huge spider at least the size of my palm
which had its web blocking entirely on my path! i managed to clear part of
her web without alarming her and sneak through it.. on the summit, guoxiong
and i climbed up a huge rock for a better view, but what i saw was so
disappointing.. the floras had grown so fast that its no longer the same
as what we'd seen more then 3 years ago.. it had block the ubin view,
the dam, the kampong hut which we stopped by for coconuts, even the view
of s'pore is partially obstructed.. changi airport is no longer in view..
nevertheless, the quarry scenery is still as terrific!

before we left, we had our dinner at one of the restaurant beside the sea..
the food was average but cooking style is quite unique.. kampong style food is
still quite different from the mainland.. although quite tired, i had an
enjoyable day..

0 comments
dreamed of racing on 11:24 pm

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Friday, 5 October 2007

as usual having my night jogging juz now and i suddenly saw two young
human walking onto the jogging track.. haha.. ya i can't figured the twins
are boy or girl cos it quite dark in the park.. judging by their body frame,
they look like two young girls but the hair really look boyish..
anyway, there's a bench in the middle of the park where the lamppost had
been faulty for quite some time.. sometimes, i'll find young indian couples
on that bench and they'll wear black.. so can you imagine if they didn't
smile and show their teeth, their camouflaguing skills are much much better
then SAF.. as i jogged toward that "dark and hot" spot, there i saw the
two young human on the bench.. ok i guess they are girls.. and its quite
dangerous for the two teens to wander in the park late in the night,
especially this cheng san park.. one side is the CTE, one side is a large
empty carpark where after the empty carpark is a large empty field, another
side is a deep slope down where below is the main road.. only the last side
of the park are HDB flats.. even though they're lesbian doesn't mean they
won't be a target of those men that occasionally sleep in the park..



i actually very interested in this but can't find enough friends.. fx had
gone to japan for his honey moon.. anyway, even if we signed up, we may
not win anything too.. not to brag or belittle my friends, i do not have
friend who is fast or at least faster then me..

0 comments
dreamed of racing on 11:15 pm

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Monday, 1 October 2007

Joke of The Month

Doctor: your husband needs rest and peace. Here are some sleeping pills.
Wife: When must I give them to him?
Doctor: They are for you.

God saw me hungry, he created pizza.
He saw me thirsty, he created pepsi.
He saw me in dark, he created light.
He saw me without problems, he created YOU.

A man is dying of Cancer.
His son asked him, "Dad, why do you keep telling people you are dying of AIDS?"
Answer:"So when I'm dead no one will dare touch your mom!"

0 comments
dreamed of racing on 9:03 pm

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