NEW PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG

Started a new photography blog :-

http://vincentcheng.net/


Do visit! =)

2 MORE WEEKS!!!!

Gulp!!!

Lost Generation

This is pure genius.... watch it!

Woman = Problems

Malaysian stimulus plan

You know its almost every other day that I read and hear of companies shutting down, employees getting retrench, people getting pay cuts, company declaring losses and etc....

Generally bad news ler.... Today as I read the newspaper there was an advertisement in a form of a letter in The Star, written by Anas Zubedy... you can read more of the letter here ---> http://letusaddvalue.blogspot.com/

Well... nice one I must agree...

Anyway, its high time that we focus on the problem...

We really need some sort of action plan to formulate a way forward in situation like this.... a stimulus plan as they call it!

But..... as I read on in the papers.....

Guess what??

More bad news....

Toll increase from March 1 for five highways

ARRRGGHHHH!!!!!!!!! Not very stimulus lor! LOL

John King Endurance Race 2009 - Round 1

Ohh yea, about 3 weeks ago participated in our company's karting endurance race. Its been a while since I've actually karted. The last time was when we won 2nd place....but that was many many moons ago.

This time round was slightly different.... I don't have my usual partner anymore! Both of them have left the company since, and I'm all by my own to find a new partner. It'll be hard to find a replacement that was as fast or should I say slim as my previous partner. He was only around 45kgs<--- yea i know all you girl readers out there....don't get jealous!

Anyway, found my new partner... well one thing is he is heavier than I am... So as you can tell that is not a good thing..LOL

This is me in action....

This kart was a little on the 'wild' side. I didn't like how it understeers into the conner and when we lift off the gas...the back will start to throw. I can't really whack into the conners aggresively like I use to. One thing is if I'm too aggresive in the turn-in the kart simply understeers... Arrgghh

Was very gentle and cautious on the turns. Had no confidence with this kart... notice the number 4! Chinese say 4 means die! Hhahahaha

Next time must get number 8! lol

Ohh... the results. Jeng! Jeng! Jeng!

3rd place only!

Still happy lar....at least get to stand on podium! yay...

After the chequered flag (which means end of the race), I had a couple of free runs around the track just for fun. So decided to push it a little! And I was right, the kart totally did not respond to the way I wanted as I tried to ride it more aggresively. I actually ran out and spun out on one of the turns.

Well I'm not blaming the kart.... I use to blame my kart was slow la...did not handle properly la...But I learn not to do the blaming anymore. Was happy that I was able to adapt to the kart, although it was crappy one.

Although, my timing on the race that day was not my fastest. I was glad to have a consistent lap time.

Till the next race!

Valentine's Day

While most people will be out having dinner with their loved ones on Valentine's. Me and Li-Hsia celebrated Valentine's day in church.... arranging chairs and folding bulletins!

Not that I'm complaining....but I'm pretty sure the feeling is not mutual. hahaha

Oh well... there is always next year right?

Happy Chinese New Year

GONG XI FA CAI

Ahhhhhhhh Chinese New Year! You got to love it...... the food, mandarin oranges, bak kua, cookies, carbonated drinks, relatives, and of course....ANG POWS!

These are all the ANG POWS that I've had collected this year. Not too bad I think! Considering still got 7 more days to collect... hahaha

.

Anyways, this will be my last year being able to collect these beauties.... Arrghh!

I'm going to miss receiving you!

Our attitude determines our altitude

Someone from my senior management said this,

"There have always been crises and there always will be. Every crisis offers new insights and teaches us lessons."

Wow! how true is that? In life, problems are inevitable. But it is not the problem that matters, but how we react to it. Are we going to give up, or instead are we going to face it..learn from it...and breakthrough!

So when asked again, about how do you manage such a large company and made it seems like it isn't that difficult...especially in times like this.Is it really that simple?

He said,

"When giving presentations to senior managers I point out that in books on management everyone acts as though managing is something mysterious and incredibly difficult. I tell them I totally disagree. My basic management concept has always been: A is where you are now, and B is where you want to be. So you have to do two things. First, you have to be able to explain to everybody in two or three minutes why you want to get to position B. Then, when you've described B, you ask yourself: what will everyone do to get to B from Monday morning onwards?"

So friends, where do you want to get by the end of the year....your point B. Do you have an action plan on how to get there? Or do you let your problems & circumstances deviate where you want to be in this year.

Lets, start our year right...its still early. No matter what problems we face...I know we can pull through and breakthrough...if we continue to believe, be strong...and with have the right ATTITUDE!

I HATE THIEVES!!!!

Certainly not a good way to end the year..... #%#&$#^

SIGH!

Merry Christmas!

Just wanted to wish everyone that reads this blog...a Merry Christmas !

I'm still waiting for Santa for my gifts. Lets hope he gets it right this time. LOL.

Year 2008

Just 10 days left before we close 2o08.

2008 has been a remarkable year... Sometimes its so easy to forget what actually happened during the year. And if we do not take a step back, and just to remember on all the things that happened during the past 12 months...its so easy to miss out how good God has been in our lives.

So as I take a step backwards to look through my 2008 goals... there were some achievements and also some disapointments. But I must thank God, that I achieved more than what I actually thought I would ...

So below are my 2008 goals...its quite personal. But its okay, I think personally I want to be more open and a more approachable person. Shall write this in my 2009 goals... =)

Anyway..... here goes :-

Year 2008 Goals

Personal
1. Buy a watch! (COMPLETE)
2. Go for drum lessons. (COMPLETE... now finishing grade 2, still very noob)
3. Build bigger muscles. <----????? What! I can't believe I wrote that
4. Make more friends.

Studies
1. Obtain Vmware Certified Professional certification (COMPLETE)
2. Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): Server Administrator
3. Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): Enterprise Administrator
4. Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration (COMPLETE)
5. Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration (COMPLETE)
6. Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Application Platform Configuration (COMPLETE)
7. Obtain PMP certification

Relationship
1. Propose to Li-Hsia (COMPLETE)
2. Get married. <---- (2009... =) )
3. Go for a nice romantic dinner. (COMPLETE)

Spiritual
1. Read the Bible once through
2. Consistent daily devotion

Ministry
1. Want to learn something new in technical ministry

Family
1. <--- I left this blank last year! Next year I must write something here.

Career
1. Obtain a 5 figure paying job. <--- 2009 definately! I pray la ..I really pray....
2. Get out from shift work. (COMPLETE)
3. Want to venture into project management role.

I'm a fan of......

Sidney Mohede ....

This is a cover done by him on song " I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz...

One more...

"Always Be My Baby" David Cook version....

Asia Conference

Just back from one of the best conference ever! Held in Singapore Expo, a total of 25,000 people was present in the conference.

It was such a life changing experience, despite having to queue hours before getting a chance to enter the hall. Everyone was willing and this shows how much they really love God.

Such spiritual hunger!...no wonder all the meetings were great.

One thing that impacted me the most, is the fact that the church needs to look outside its 4 walls. Whether it is community work, helping the poor or taking care of the less fortunate...all our contribution shows how much we care for people. Its true that people do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care.

Often action speaks louder than words, often it is just not enough to pray...we need to get our hands dirty and do the work.

There is a passage in the bible that says,

James 2:17 (New Living Translation)

17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

Got tagged..

Haii...I don't understand this tagging thing. Esshhh! is there a rule about blogging somewhere that says about tagging? Who came out with this? LOL...

Anyway, was tagged by Gok Heng...

1.) What is the relationship of you and her/him?
She is a friend and also a sister in Christ. LOL

2.) Your 5 impressions towards her/him?
-she likes tagging people
-she tags a lot
-she tags too much
-she tags!
-ok ok...she is actually a very creative person. Emerge champion for photography! WOW!!!!

3.) The most memorable things she/he had done for you.
She tagged me...hahahAHAhHa

4.) The most memorable things she/he have said to you.
is..." Can I tag you?"..hahahAHha

5.) If she/he become your lover, you will...
Stop her from tagging...

6.) If she/he become your enemy, you will.......
Tag her....

7.) If she/he become your lover, she/he has to improve on..
Choosing who to tag...

8.) If she/he become your enemy, the reason is...
Tagging...

9.) The most desirable thing to do on her/him is?
To tag her back...

10.) The overall impression of her/him is...
Tagger!!!

11.) How do you think the people around you feel about you?
That I don't usually respond to tags.

12.) The character of you for yourself is?
I'm trying to figure out what this question means...anyone??

13.) What do you hate about yourself?
I hate myself for responding to this tag...LOL

14.) The most ideal person you want to be is?
Me.

15.) For the people who care about you and like you, say something to them
I like to say, don't ever respond to tags...its a waste of time..LOL

Ten people to tag:
I'll just name my CG member
1. Victor
2. John
3. Jeremy
4. Chung Ee
5. Guo Yi
6. Justin
7. Ju Yinn
8. Xiao Fern
9. Gladys
10. Loveen

Who is no. 2 having a relationship with?
Himself...LOL

No. 3 a male or a female?
Male.

If no. 7 and no. 10 were together, would it be a good thing?
It will definately be complicated...hahaHAhA

How about no. 5 and 8?
Cannot...too young!

What is no. 1 studying about?
Business...

Is no. 4 single?
Yes he is...unless he is not telling me. Hmm....

Say something about no. 6.
He looks a lot like no. 7....LOL

KSC Karting

One thing that I'm very sure of, is that I have a passion for racing. I think its in my family blood. I'm quite certain that my dad and uncles all have some genes that revolves around racing. Naturally, we can hop into a car/ go -kart/ bike/ Motorbike...whatever it is with wheels and be able to ride it pretty well.

No one actually thought me about racing lines, braking , trottle control and etc... It just come natural for me <--- cheay!

Now that can be a good and bad thing... The bad thing is that if you develop wrong techniques that you thought was good ...its very hard to unlearn it. The good thing is that, naturally we are better than others no matter how hard they try...LOL.

I think people with natural abilities tend to learn and grasp things faster. Example, I've known people who are naturally good at music...take up a guitar strum the same song...and it sounds so much better that the other person. I call this natural talent.

Then there are those, who are trained to have these 'skill' or talent...but somehow lacks the special something compared to the person with natural talent. But I believe that we all need to continue learning and honing the talents that God has given us. Those with natural talent are ones that I guess God has given a head start. Having said that, if the person with natural talents just sits back and do nothing with it, sooner or later the person who is trained can over take the person with natural talents.

Anyway......few moons ago, I participated in the last KSC endurance race of the year. Here are some pics and will talk more about the race as I show u the pics....

The race started by 'rolling start' meaning everyone must not overtake before crossing the start/finish line. However, things didn't go according to plan some people started overtaking me even before passing the start/finish line.

Me looking good...on turn 1

As the race went by, I was battling for position with Nicholas who is infront of me. This is me sticking to his back as I plan my overtaking manuever exiting the turn...

Ohh yea....in front now.

This is nicholas after the race...see racing is friendly...still friends! haahha

Finished 2nd this time...its weird because we actually crossed the finish line in front of the others. Somethings are hard to explain if you know what I mean.

This is Teck Wei my race partner... He was the fastest man on track that day!

Anyway, was just happy to have won and stand on the podium for 3 times in a row... =)

DIY : How to clean your K&N filter

Wow its been about 17,000 km after the installation of the K&N replacement filter. So its due for cleaning.

Here is a simple guide on how to do it... I know there is a manual included in the service kit, but this is a hands-on guide (more practical) and with coloured pictures!!!

Also a note to all those that want to perform this...make sure you that you have the whole day and you won't be using your car. Otherwise, you might want to swap in a temporary stock air filter 1st before performing the cleaning. This is because the drying of the K&N filter takes quite a long time! So please be warned!

Step 1 : Purchase the K&N Service Kit ( Recharger) .

Should look like the picture below. Weird thing is there is no part no. written on the box.


Step 2 : Remove the K&N filter.

For reference on how to remove the filter from the engine compartment. Please refer to my earlier posting http://spoonboi.blogspot.com/2007/10/diy-installing-k-filter.html

Picture below is how the K&N filter looks like after 17,000 kms. Notice the black spots of dirt....


Step 3: Apply cleaner

Now the Service kit should include 2 white coloured bottles as shown below :-

- Use the BIG bottle...which reads Air filter cleaner as shown below :-

- Now what you want to do is to spray an even amount on both the clean side & dirty side of the filter. Make sure it completely covers all area of the element.

- Allow the cleaner to soak for a good 10 minutes. The cleaner actually helps loosen dirt trapped on the filter.

Step 4: Rinse

Now rinse off the filter with cool running water. Note : do not those jet spray, just runing water will do.

You might need to repeat steps 3 and 4 if your filter is extremely dirty.

Step 5: Drying

Gently shake off existing water and allow the filter to dry naturally! <-- this means no external use of hair dryer \ heat guns or etc

Now this will take at least 5-6 hours. In normal room temperature. I kid you not! Now it is important to let the element completely dry off before the next step of oilling. If the filter element is not completely dry it would not be able to absorb the oil and thus affecting its effectiveness.

So I really recommend that you be patient. ( I left mine to dry for the whole day)

Step 6: Oiling

For this use the smaller white bottle which reads.."Air Filter Oil" =P

- to apply the oil make sure it done on the dirty side of the filter only! Pic below shows my dirty side... i mean the filter's dirty side.

Alright notice that the 1st two rows of the elements has been oiled. Notice the color difference. You should apply this evenly on all plates of the element. What I do is, for the 1st row of element- I start from the top down then the next row bottom up. And vice versa.

- To apply the oil just gently squeeze the bottle lightly. You want to be able to apply the oil evenly. Not too much otherwise it will be a waste and I resulting in a very sticky element which I think will result in poor performance. Do it just right.

- After applying the oil. Wait 20-30 minutes to let the oil absorb to the clean side. (remember you only apply on the dirty side!)

- Now you might want to visually inspect both the clean\dirty side of the filter to make sure that the color is the same.

Face the filter to the light to be able to get a clearer picture!

- You might need to continue the oilling procedure until there is an even red color over the entire surface of the clean & dirty side of the filter. So be patient in doing this.

- for your info I used approx 25 oz of Oil to completely re-oil my filter. Now this depends on size as well. Mine is specific for Nissan Sentra N16.

Step 7 : Filter installation

For this you might want to refer again to http://spoonboi.blogspot.com/2007/10/diy-installing-k-filter.html


Tadaa!!! you're done!

I also took the oppurtunity to stick the K&N filter stickers on the filter box. Serves also as a warning!

K&N filter - 1-3bhp

Clean K&N filter - 4-5bhp

K&N stickers - 25-30bhp

Miri

Sigh! Its been a while since I've posted. Mainly because there isn't much to write about these days and also busy with work!

Finally, had some time off to myself to go for a short 'holiday'. Well actually it was not really a holiday but rather a company trip. We had our sort of like internal company\department games!
So I was called upon to play 8-ball pool! yeahhh! <-- something that I'm quite good at

So off we go... to Miri, Sarawak! woohoo... Air Asia of course. But I must say Air Asia is getting better from the last time I took a flight. One thing is the food that they were selling, at least now got more variety lar...

Anyway, once there we checked in to Miri Marriott Resort & Spa.

As you can see the Hotel super nice lar....5 bintang!

Super nice swimming pool....but I can't swim! =P

Anyway, the main reason I'm creating this post is to share the magnificient view of Miri. It So happened that the hotel is located by the sea. And when evening came.... the sunset view was so nice I spend more than an hour just taking photos of the sunset...

So I wanted to share some of the pictures with all of you...

Nice? Got more actually.... 100's more and really can't upload them all here.

So anyway....as I was taking all these pictures.... I can't help but wonder what an awesome God we serve! The God that created the heavens and the earth....the sea and land. And this beautiful sunset! Just reminds me that God is colorful & creative.

oklar....one more pic.....

One year old

Tribute to my one year old.... =P

1 Dollar and 100 Dollar Bill

One day, a one dollar bill and a hundred dollar bill got folded together and began talking about their life experiences.

The hundred dollar bill began to brag:
"I've had a great life," he said. "I've been to all the big hotels, Donald Trump himself used me at his casino, I've been in the wallets of Fortune 500 board members, I've flown from one end of the country to the other! I've even been in the wallet of two Presidents of the United States, and once when Princess Diana visited the US, she used me to buy a packet of gum."

In awe, the dollar humbly responded, "Gee, nothing like that has ever happened to me, ...but I have been to church a lot!"