Just came back from dinner with my Meta camp group faci and ppl. Long queue at Marche Vivocity. Had my favourite Swiss rosti with a choice of chicken cheese Wurst.
So anyway, the seniors were sharing their experiences for meta camp and FTB. And also what's life going to be in SIS and all other stuffs about SIS. Some guys face were all stressed up and yeah, there is one that kept asking questions about stuffs going to happen in Yr 3 & Yr 4 when Yr 1 sem 1 has yet to start!!!!!
Okay, chill chill. All were warned about the possibility about spending the night in school just to rush through the tons of assignment because this course is heavily based on projects projects and projects and all other things la.. Wow Wee.... and that's only yr 1 stuffs.
Meta camp is next week, straight after NDP preview. I wonder how am i going to survive through..
Auf Wiedersehen!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
One last parade
After getting a good tan the past few days doing the rehearsal it was all good to go for the ORD parade. Parents were invited to view the whole parade and other events that planned out after the parade.
Big boss gave a very very very very long speech detailing all the achievements and a very very very long final words to motivate everybody. If you do your sums, that adds up to at least 5 pages worth of speech which will be a "torture" for all of us under the sun. Haha.. But, i was quite inspired and motivated by his speech. If only i can get a copy of it.. hmm....
A pleasant surprise to be awarded Top 10 in the company. Only being notified earlier in the morning. Haha.. Initally planned was to have individual citation read out as we collect the award. But in the end it was being scrapped. Yeah, good move!
Company cheer was the last on the program and because i was "slacking" away at SMU attending a Freshmen Orientation, every thing was monkey see monkey do. Hopefully i have not made a fool of myself, obviously I have been hiding on the last row. haha! Anyway, it was great fun!
Auf Wiedersehen!
Big boss gave a very very very very long speech detailing all the achievements and a very very very long final words to motivate everybody. If you do your sums, that adds up to at least 5 pages worth of speech which will be a "torture" for all of us under the sun. Haha.. But, i was quite inspired and motivated by his speech. If only i can get a copy of it.. hmm....
A pleasant surprise to be awarded Top 10 in the company. Only being notified earlier in the morning. Haha.. Initally planned was to have individual citation read out as we collect the award. But in the end it was being scrapped. Yeah, good move!
Company cheer was the last on the program and because i was "slacking" away at SMU attending a Freshmen Orientation, every thing was monkey see monkey do. Hopefully i have not made a fool of myself, obviously I have been hiding on the last row. haha! Anyway, it was great fun!
Auf Wiedersehen!
Widmung
What does it takes for one to compose such a beautiful piece for the love of their life? Originally composed for Vocal and piano. "Widmung" means dedication in german written by Robert Schumann for his wife Claire Schumann. Been transcribed for piano by Franz Liszt. Enjoy!
Auf Wiedersehen!
Auf Wiedersehen!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Clearing leave
Have been clearing leave the whole week. Out to take Final Theory Test (FTT) on tuesday and manage to passed it. Can't wait to book TP test now but have to engage an instructor first. Urgh! I thought i was going to fail the test because studied for it really last minute and was practically flipping through the pages and just memorizing a few points here and there. Well, for those planning to take the test, its best to take a few practical lessons to get a feel of what is like to drive on roads. And erm... when answering the question, pick the most logical and safest answer.
Crap! Faculty camp has been made compulsory for all freshmen. Keen to go but the day before is the preview thus the NO initially. Never mind, just have to endure and try to have lots of fun with my faculty's freshmen! Otherwise suffer an additional 200 hours of CIP on top of the compulsory 80 hours. Ouch!
Went out to hunt for tennis racquet and got some new tennis balls. The old ones are in conditions that can use to play "fetch" with dogs. Gees! Still can't figure out the numbers printed on the balls and the net seems to have no answers for it too!
Friday was looking forward to book into camp. But msg from camp says that we are to directly report to Marina Square on Saturday. That's good, another night with air-con. haha! NE 3 was a smoother run as compared to last week. Yeah, everyone is telling me i am putting my life on the line for strangers i don't know when tasked to be the point man for traffic controlling. Stress.. haha! but fun.. all ranks have to listen to ME!
Weather turned bad as the parade when on and it began to pour as the show segement started and start to get a little feverish while waiting at the bus point to dispatch the kids home. Everything ended early.
20 more days. 2 more shows.
Tennis was a total nightmare that i could have flunk my tennis balls and racquet off to unsuspecting people down at the pool. Tuesday night's game was better even though the court was wet and slippery. Not everyday is Sunday (even thought today is sunday). haha! Next game will be better.
Auf Wiedersehsen!
Crap! Faculty camp has been made compulsory for all freshmen. Keen to go but the day before is the preview thus the NO initially. Never mind, just have to endure and try to have lots of fun with my faculty's freshmen! Otherwise suffer an additional 200 hours of CIP on top of the compulsory 80 hours. Ouch!
Went out to hunt for tennis racquet and got some new tennis balls. The old ones are in conditions that can use to play "fetch" with dogs. Gees! Still can't figure out the numbers printed on the balls and the net seems to have no answers for it too!
Friday was looking forward to book into camp. But msg from camp says that we are to directly report to Marina Square on Saturday. That's good, another night with air-con. haha! NE 3 was a smoother run as compared to last week. Yeah, everyone is telling me i am putting my life on the line for strangers i don't know when tasked to be the point man for traffic controlling. Stress.. haha! but fun.. all ranks have to listen to ME!
Weather turned bad as the parade when on and it began to pour as the show segement started and start to get a little feverish while waiting at the bus point to dispatch the kids home. Everything ended early.
20 more days. 2 more shows.
Tennis was a total nightmare that i could have flunk my tennis balls and racquet off to unsuspecting people down at the pool. Tuesday night's game was better even though the court was wet and slippery. Not everyday is Sunday (even thought today is sunday). haha! Next game will be better.
Auf Wiedersehsen!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Parade, Parade and more Parades
Went back to SMU for matriculation on monday. I thought it was a very quick process because i can skip some stations. Ended up being held back for talks and camp registrations and lots of bombardments of CIP programs. Top it off with a downpour thus making a mad dash across to LKC-SOB.
A full day of fun-pack packing. Target was 100+ pallets. Worked through the day and night, dead beat at the end but have to keep the momentum going when my "engine" is begining to shut down. In the end target was achieve, happy happy go back camp! Wee..! Of course while working we got treats like Pizza hut's winglets, garlic bread and a nice cold ice cream! Yummy!
Well the rest of the week was rehearsal for CoC parade. On actual day, I witness the uncasting of the unit's colors and was giving a short lesson on the importance of unit's color. A very sacred cermony not many have a chance to witness. CoC parade ended without a hitch. Next up, ORD parade. OMG!!!!!!
NE 2 kicked off yesterday. AO was reduced to a smaller area and got quite a good amount of time to roam around marina and suntec. I still don't understand the need for civilians to scold every guy deployed just because they couldn't find their way to the entrance. Well, if he was dressed in red we might have a 50% chance of knowing he is lost and would rander help. All i could do was to respones with a smile from all that verbal abuse. Haiz.. Well, this is what i signed up for, this is my job. I love my job! Had one of the best views of the fireworks in the marina bay area. Woo..! Everyone was simply awwed by it. If only i had my camera with me to capture the moments but meanwhile BACK TO WORK!
The P5 kids are a bundle of joy to work for. Even thought it was a long day, they still packed with energy as they waited for their buses to send them back to school. No matter how tired i was, i still squeeze out that tiny little bit of energy to play with them and wave good bye! =)
Alright, getting more and more chao-tar since i have been under the sun for almost 5 days now. Tennis started off quite bad, perhaps its due to the little hours of sleep i have after NE show. As the game when on, it got better and better. Now... The week ahead packed with more tennis game. Whee...!
Auf Wiedersehen!
A full day of fun-pack packing. Target was 100+ pallets. Worked through the day and night, dead beat at the end but have to keep the momentum going when my "engine" is begining to shut down. In the end target was achieve, happy happy go back camp! Wee..! Of course while working we got treats like Pizza hut's winglets, garlic bread and a nice cold ice cream! Yummy!
Well the rest of the week was rehearsal for CoC parade. On actual day, I witness the uncasting of the unit's colors and was giving a short lesson on the importance of unit's color. A very sacred cermony not many have a chance to witness. CoC parade ended without a hitch. Next up, ORD parade. OMG!!!!!!
NE 2 kicked off yesterday. AO was reduced to a smaller area and got quite a good amount of time to roam around marina and suntec. I still don't understand the need for civilians to scold every guy deployed just because they couldn't find their way to the entrance. Well, if he was dressed in red we might have a 50% chance of knowing he is lost and would rander help. All i could do was to respones with a smile from all that verbal abuse. Haiz.. Well, this is what i signed up for, this is my job. I love my job! Had one of the best views of the fireworks in the marina bay area. Woo..! Everyone was simply awwed by it. If only i had my camera with me to capture the moments but meanwhile BACK TO WORK!
The P5 kids are a bundle of joy to work for. Even thought it was a long day, they still packed with energy as they waited for their buses to send them back to school. No matter how tired i was, i still squeeze out that tiny little bit of energy to play with them and wave good bye! =)
Alright, getting more and more chao-tar since i have been under the sun for almost 5 days now. Tennis started off quite bad, perhaps its due to the little hours of sleep i have after NE show. As the game when on, it got better and better. Now... The week ahead packed with more tennis game. Whee...!
Auf Wiedersehen!
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Insane but right decision
QET was a total screw up even with all the planning and drafting before writing down the final essay. Anyway, everybody's face look stunned when they took the first look at the test paper. First time in a long while feeling so crap handing in a crap piece of essay. The world is quite small yeah, got to know a fellow guy from another platoon who will be in the same course as me. classmates next time maybe?
Alright, so i missed out the talk about reservist because of QET. Listening to my section guys updating me on what i have missed out which kind of dwell on me that when you first enlist, you thought it will be 2 years of service, nearing to ORD... there is another FREAKING 10 years of army life ahead. Oh shit!
Damn! Even with all the effort to keep the bunk a bacterial free environment there still live a little bugger know that will creep around munching on human food. Already caught that mouse peeking into the bunk from the door but in the end got chased after by me. Now, that mouse stole my last pack of oreo cookies which is nicely placed in a mug. Argh! what's next? my cup noodles? I should feed him with Tom yam flavour. muahahahahah!
The most outrageous and insane decision in my NSF life. I made the request to participate in NDP instead of being tasked to do guard duty. The latter would meant longer weekends when there isn't any duty schedule as compared to late saturday nights, extreme physical workout and a normal 2 rest days.
So yesterday was down at Marina Square since around 8am and then set up barricades along a pre-assigned perimeter and then left to wander around. Carl's Jr breakfast simply pack a punch of energy with a simple bacon and egg barito, hash brown dipped in maple syrup. Then I was introduce to shop that sells model aircraft, blah blah blah. Looked at the army figurines, it is so detailed and real! Aww at the showcase of a fire trench filled with the soldiers taking up their trench position.
Deployed at one of the exit of marina square and kept turning back people because it was blocked off. No short-cut! Gave a bunch of concert goers a good lesson for being late for concerts! haha! Plan ahead next time. and be early! Took about 1 hr+++ to disperse 27,000 ppl. another 1 hour to tear down the barricades (because all of us are super tired and want to get home quick!) reached home at midnight.
Overall, was quite an experience. Get to interact with lots of people, bump into a few familiar faces, endure a few threats from our "own" ppl. Anyway, it was free biceps training. haha! Another show next week..
Auf Wiedersehen!
Alright, so i missed out the talk about reservist because of QET. Listening to my section guys updating me on what i have missed out which kind of dwell on me that when you first enlist, you thought it will be 2 years of service, nearing to ORD... there is another FREAKING 10 years of army life ahead. Oh shit!
Damn! Even with all the effort to keep the bunk a bacterial free environment there still live a little bugger know that will creep around munching on human food. Already caught that mouse peeking into the bunk from the door but in the end got chased after by me. Now, that mouse stole my last pack of oreo cookies which is nicely placed in a mug. Argh! what's next? my cup noodles? I should feed him with Tom yam flavour. muahahahahah!
The most outrageous and insane decision in my NSF life. I made the request to participate in NDP instead of being tasked to do guard duty. The latter would meant longer weekends when there isn't any duty schedule as compared to late saturday nights, extreme physical workout and a normal 2 rest days.
So yesterday was down at Marina Square since around 8am and then set up barricades along a pre-assigned perimeter and then left to wander around. Carl's Jr breakfast simply pack a punch of energy with a simple bacon and egg barito, hash brown dipped in maple syrup. Then I was introduce to shop that sells model aircraft, blah blah blah. Looked at the army figurines, it is so detailed and real! Aww at the showcase of a fire trench filled with the soldiers taking up their trench position.
Deployed at one of the exit of marina square and kept turning back people because it was blocked off. No short-cut! Gave a bunch of concert goers a good lesson for being late for concerts! haha! Plan ahead next time. and be early! Took about 1 hr+++ to disperse 27,000 ppl. another 1 hour to tear down the barricades (because all of us are super tired and want to get home quick!) reached home at midnight.
Overall, was quite an experience. Get to interact with lots of people, bump into a few familiar faces, endure a few threats from our "own" ppl. Anyway, it was free biceps training. haha! Another show next week..
Auf Wiedersehen!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Bringing the roof down
Ever since I attend that hair-raising, hang on to the edge of your seat concert a few years back I have always wondered when will they bring the roof down. Back on Sunday evening, attended my Bro's band concert, the ever fame and popular XXXXX concert band with guest appearance from their sister band.
Yes, presentation of the piece were well executed perhaps the only fault was the endurance to keep the standard the same throughout the 4 pieces. 2nd half was as usual the fun-filled, creative performance of the Singapore equivalent of the percussion group Stomp. Overall, it was entertaining and a great way to unwind before heading back to studies or work. But still, going back to the bet with my buddy on whether they will bring the roof down. Well.. Good attempt.
Dinner was truly one to remember as it was the first time I have to seek cover from the torrential rain that poured. The scene of people carrying plates of satays and sting rays, yes STING RAY!!! in to lau pasat while trying to avoid getting drenched by the heavy downpour that followed after the trickle of rain drops. Somehow, I feel its my unit's "curse" where every mention of Stingray will be the equivalent of the Indian American rain dance. Haiz.. the fish needs water to survive.
Well, lau pasat is one place where you still get to experience eating at a truly street hawker lined up with smoke filled Satay stalls and touts moving around trying to sell you seafood. Wee..! Of course for those who are weight conscious, its nice to indulge yourself once in a while for such hawker fare but don't forget to hit the running tracks after that!
Auf Wiedersehen!
Yes, presentation of the piece were well executed perhaps the only fault was the endurance to keep the standard the same throughout the 4 pieces. 2nd half was as usual the fun-filled, creative performance of the Singapore equivalent of the percussion group Stomp. Overall, it was entertaining and a great way to unwind before heading back to studies or work. But still, going back to the bet with my buddy on whether they will bring the roof down. Well.. Good attempt.
Dinner was truly one to remember as it was the first time I have to seek cover from the torrential rain that poured. The scene of people carrying plates of satays and sting rays, yes STING RAY!!! in to lau pasat while trying to avoid getting drenched by the heavy downpour that followed after the trickle of rain drops. Somehow, I feel its my unit's "curse" where every mention of Stingray will be the equivalent of the Indian American rain dance. Haiz.. the fish needs water to survive.
Well, lau pasat is one place where you still get to experience eating at a truly street hawker lined up with smoke filled Satay stalls and touts moving around trying to sell you seafood. Wee..! Of course for those who are weight conscious, its nice to indulge yourself once in a while for such hawker fare but don't forget to hit the running tracks after that!
Auf Wiedersehen!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Shag out week
I could do with some extra hours of sleep but somehow my brain is keeping me awake. haiz. its been a hectic week even though i have a few days of leave cleared.
Monday's leave was forced to clear but it appears that i could use the day to complete some important task. Manage to finish up the essay portion entitled "Music" for the LKY-step award application. get a photo taken and getting stamps to before mailing out the application. don't have much hopes but oh well, just give it a try as encourage by my folks. Wednesday n friday was half day each. only thing done was to doze off everytime i want to watch tv. Wiembeldon tennis match was on but my mind was off. urgh!
so back in camp started the NDP fun pack thingy. production is really crazy in my opinion. have quotas to meet and sure get a good workout from all the packing. on a separate day, have to open up all boxes just to make really minor adjustments to the already completed fun pack. serious waste of time and manpower.
later on got assigned to a production line to pack fun packs into boxes. some photographers were around to shoot the packing process and there goes some people fooling around in front of cameras. posing? or just relieving some stress? haha.
tennis was rather slow pace today, only 2 guys playing. added a damper to my racket and now my racket has an identity problem. hahaha! practicing the normal serves. could use a few more good practice but with the 3 courts occupied. its kinda hard to identify your own balls if it starts flying all over the place. okay, looking for a few more tennis players. so if you are interested please kindly drop me a message. you have to bring your own racket. balls provided.
brain hibernating again. cheers!
Auf Wiedersehen!
Monday's leave was forced to clear but it appears that i could use the day to complete some important task. Manage to finish up the essay portion entitled "Music" for the LKY-step award application. get a photo taken and getting stamps to before mailing out the application. don't have much hopes but oh well, just give it a try as encourage by my folks. Wednesday n friday was half day each. only thing done was to doze off everytime i want to watch tv. Wiembeldon tennis match was on but my mind was off. urgh!
so back in camp started the NDP fun pack thingy. production is really crazy in my opinion. have quotas to meet and sure get a good workout from all the packing. on a separate day, have to open up all boxes just to make really minor adjustments to the already completed fun pack. serious waste of time and manpower.
later on got assigned to a production line to pack fun packs into boxes. some photographers were around to shoot the packing process and there goes some people fooling around in front of cameras. posing? or just relieving some stress? haha.
tennis was rather slow pace today, only 2 guys playing. added a damper to my racket and now my racket has an identity problem. hahaha! practicing the normal serves. could use a few more good practice but with the 3 courts occupied. its kinda hard to identify your own balls if it starts flying all over the place. okay, looking for a few more tennis players. so if you are interested please kindly drop me a message. you have to bring your own racket. balls provided.
brain hibernating again. cheers!
Auf Wiedersehen!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Seafood Paradise
I have yet to master the skill of eating chill crab. Haiz. Was called out to seafood dinner last night at the Singapore Flyer. My folks and the other folks went for the singapore flyer earlier on which i didn't want to go even though i have 2 invites with me. Okay, so i thought i was cutting concertina wire which requires 1 good cut using all my might which eventually led to splatter of chill crab sauce all over the table like an explosive charge going off, shrapnel's flying all over the place. haha! Well, a service staff was nearby to witness the mess i created and readily open a pack of wet tissue for me to clear up the mess. Maybe i should opt for hammering the hard shell next time or just order soft shell crab. =)
Early on in the day, tennis game as usual. Took a long time to warm up. Somewhat I kinda lost my temper. Haiz. But yeah, as the game progresses, it became better and better. A good 2 hours of workout and got tan to the extend of leaving an invicible singlet marking. haha!
Range was on monday n tuesday. Didn't get marksmenship. But it's okay since it was a team effort and all of us didn't want to pressurize ourselves. Sure it was exciting to help team members to engage targets, covering each others targets amids the loud bangs from the explosion of the projectiles in the chamber.
So i finally tried the shilin's night street snack stall. Ordering the classic XXL chicken chop and the tempura (tian bu la) together with a cuppa of pearl milk tea. Even though it proclaims to be from taiwan, but its standards will never match what we have tasted before. The ambiance without a doubt wasn't there. Oh well, time to visit taiwan. But with the soaring fuel prices and the hike in the fuel surcharge. I wonder when will i take off again....
Auf Wiedershen!
Early on in the day, tennis game as usual. Took a long time to warm up. Somewhat I kinda lost my temper. Haiz. But yeah, as the game progresses, it became better and better. A good 2 hours of workout and got tan to the extend of leaving an invicible singlet marking. haha!
Range was on monday n tuesday. Didn't get marksmenship. But it's okay since it was a team effort and all of us didn't want to pressurize ourselves. Sure it was exciting to help team members to engage targets, covering each others targets amids the loud bangs from the explosion of the projectiles in the chamber.
So i finally tried the shilin's night street snack stall. Ordering the classic XXL chicken chop and the tempura (tian bu la) together with a cuppa of pearl milk tea. Even though it proclaims to be from taiwan, but its standards will never match what we have tasted before. The ambiance without a doubt wasn't there. Oh well, time to visit taiwan. But with the soaring fuel prices and the hike in the fuel surcharge. I wonder when will i take off again....
Auf Wiedershen!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Kung Fu Tennis
LF on monday was a good opportunity to see other platoon in action. I am not required to do LF so i just follow through motion, help out as and when needed. Only if the concertina wire was blown into tiny bits and pieces, we would not have to go through the mess and untangle everything, packed it nicely to condemn it.
Well, everyone was talking about Kung Fu Panda, so tuesday night's out a group of us went to watch it. It was a big group so there was some kind of promotion going on, so all of us got discounted tickets. Overall, it was a hilarious movie. I can't expect much, the story line is somewhat the ang moh's perception on chinese kung fu and culture. Well, it targeted more for small kids over their hols. I still prefer Pixar's animations.
On friday, i was "abandon" in camp by my section mates. lol. I rule the bunk for a day but it happen to coincide with the suspension of training order, so i was pretty much left to rot. Its very unfortunate for the 2 fatalities within the organization. Brunei weather is very harsh now having been there same period last year. And going through jungle survival means surviving on the limited food and water while the weather requires you to hydrate often. As for the other, i have no comments. I won't draw a conclusion on the cause of both incident. But, its still a mystery on how active, physically fit personnel could meet such tragedy. God Bless!
Weather was perfect for tennis today, 3 guys played today, a little uneven. But luckily the person who booked the slot before us stayed on for a while and join us in a double match. I did played a single's match with eddie. Good rallying. Felt the improvement. Shall play more and often. Now pondering for a 2nd racket. haha! and i lost quite a number of tennis balls! all courts were booked, and balls were all mixed up! Well, nvm, i will get somemore to replace what's lost!
Auf Wiedersehen!
Well, everyone was talking about Kung Fu Panda, so tuesday night's out a group of us went to watch it. It was a big group so there was some kind of promotion going on, so all of us got discounted tickets. Overall, it was a hilarious movie. I can't expect much, the story line is somewhat the ang moh's perception on chinese kung fu and culture. Well, it targeted more for small kids over their hols. I still prefer Pixar's animations.
On friday, i was "abandon" in camp by my section mates. lol. I rule the bunk for a day but it happen to coincide with the suspension of training order, so i was pretty much left to rot. Its very unfortunate for the 2 fatalities within the organization. Brunei weather is very harsh now having been there same period last year. And going through jungle survival means surviving on the limited food and water while the weather requires you to hydrate often. As for the other, i have no comments. I won't draw a conclusion on the cause of both incident. But, its still a mystery on how active, physically fit personnel could meet such tragedy. God Bless!
Weather was perfect for tennis today, 3 guys played today, a little uneven. But luckily the person who booked the slot before us stayed on for a while and join us in a double match. I did played a single's match with eddie. Good rallying. Felt the improvement. Shall play more and often. Now pondering for a 2nd racket. haha! and i lost quite a number of tennis balls! all courts were booked, and balls were all mixed up! Well, nvm, i will get somemore to replace what's lost!
Auf Wiedersehen!
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Tennis
Only if the weather was perfect today.
Early breakfast at Bukit Timah before going back at Ngee Ann Poly today to play tennis. The game started off with balls flying all over the court so we have to practice close range before spreading out towards the edge of the court. Serves were a little hard, well.. this is not badminton. Soon after grey clouds start to form over and then it poured which lead to ending the game early. But, we started ahead of our actual booking time. Scheduled for another game next week, but before that must get my racket grip re-grip because the grip is peeling off throughout leaving my hands all black!
Okay, lunch was a simply indulgence of Secondary school day's food. Travelled back to the coffee shop outside of my sec sch for lunch. the vegetarian stall. haha! Surprised after coming close to 5 years the auntie is able to recongize us. Well the stall may look normal to any average joe who walk pass there, but its the very place that fed the hungry stomach of all the then young musicians every saturday afternoon. Memories.
The week started off with 2 days of leave. An experimental dinner celebration for my grandfather on tuesday. Experimental because its the first time celebrating it on the actual day which is also a weekday. Well, almost everyone was there except a few who surely have their valid reasons not being able to turn up. I believe so because after all, he is still the elder of the family and it will sound wrong for not celebrating it.
Booked in back to camp early that night because hitch a ride from one of the uncles who left early. Was fuming as I walked into camp after hearing a very unpleasant remark made by him. Should have took the public transport instead if i had known he has such a bad attitude.
I don't know when i will clear my leave again, so till then is back to normal work week. Coming monday will be a long day out somewhere far west of singapore. Gonna love all the big bangs!
So did you manage to solve the question on the previous post?
Auf Wiedersehen!
Early breakfast at Bukit Timah before going back at Ngee Ann Poly today to play tennis. The game started off with balls flying all over the court so we have to practice close range before spreading out towards the edge of the court. Serves were a little hard, well.. this is not badminton. Soon after grey clouds start to form over and then it poured which lead to ending the game early. But, we started ahead of our actual booking time. Scheduled for another game next week, but before that must get my racket grip re-grip because the grip is peeling off throughout leaving my hands all black!
Okay, lunch was a simply indulgence of Secondary school day's food. Travelled back to the coffee shop outside of my sec sch for lunch. the vegetarian stall. haha! Surprised after coming close to 5 years the auntie is able to recongize us. Well the stall may look normal to any average joe who walk pass there, but its the very place that fed the hungry stomach of all the then young musicians every saturday afternoon. Memories.
The week started off with 2 days of leave. An experimental dinner celebration for my grandfather on tuesday. Experimental because its the first time celebrating it on the actual day which is also a weekday. Well, almost everyone was there except a few who surely have their valid reasons not being able to turn up. I believe so because after all, he is still the elder of the family and it will sound wrong for not celebrating it.
Booked in back to camp early that night because hitch a ride from one of the uncles who left early. Was fuming as I walked into camp after hearing a very unpleasant remark made by him. Should have took the public transport instead if i had known he has such a bad attitude.
I don't know when i will clear my leave again, so till then is back to normal work week. Coming monday will be a long day out somewhere far west of singapore. Gonna love all the big bangs!
So did you manage to solve the question on the previous post?
Auf Wiedersehen!
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Brain Teasers
Think you are very smart? Or maybe would like to give your brain a good workout? Try solving the question below. Note: Do not attempt to search the web for the answer! Well.. unless you came up with a solution already. =)
There are three switches in a hallway. One switch controls a light fixture in a room at the far end of the hall. The door to the room is closed, and you can't see whether the light is on or off. You need to find out which of the three switches controls the light. How can you be certain of finding that out, making just one trip to the room?
Auf Wiedersehen!
There are three switches in a hallway. One switch controls a light fixture in a room at the far end of the hall. The door to the room is closed, and you can't see whether the light is on or off. You need to find out which of the three switches controls the light. How can you be certain of finding that out, making just one trip to the room?
Auf Wiedersehen!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Cholesterol . Calories . Comfort . Cubes
Its definitely sinful to drug my body with sumptuous local treats which encourage the blockage of my arteries. Oh..! I can see the cholesterol index having a bull run. While its not good news when the STI index goes on a downward trend. I certainly welcome a great dip on my calories intake.
Life have been quite relaxing back at work. Every now and then will go dip in the swimming pool, lift some weights at the gym or clock mileage on the running track. Of course, night's off will definitely lure us to the fast food chain, food court and sometimes a oily plate of prata along bukit timah. Wee! Have been working out. But i need to work out more!
Having been working on my music Dip's written report. And no other better place to work is on my bed in camp. Reference material, writing pad, my lovely iPod and in between a soft comfy pillow. When my brain is switched off, all i need to do is to drop my head and the pillow will cushion the fall and i will fall into deep sleep. Aiming at revising Statistics and all other maths stuff to get myself prep up for schoo. Oh.. can't wait for term starts.
Will be involve in NDP soon. First on the list is the fun pack packing. So if you ever find food missing from your fun pack at the parade. It may have already made its way to my stomach! haha. Just kidding. Pretty cool to be involve. Perhaps the only chance to be involve in this gigantic event even though it means sacrificing my weekends.
And yes! finally collected the full set of Rubik's cube. Latest addition is the 2x2 cube which i have been hunting for high and low. By now, manage to solve the 2x2, 3x3, 4x4 while the 5x5 sits comfortably in its packaging. haha! some day i will solve it. SOME day.
Auf Wiedersehen!
Life have been quite relaxing back at work. Every now and then will go dip in the swimming pool, lift some weights at the gym or clock mileage on the running track. Of course, night's off will definitely lure us to the fast food chain, food court and sometimes a oily plate of prata along bukit timah. Wee! Have been working out. But i need to work out more!
Having been working on my music Dip's written report. And no other better place to work is on my bed in camp. Reference material, writing pad, my lovely iPod and in between a soft comfy pillow. When my brain is switched off, all i need to do is to drop my head and the pillow will cushion the fall and i will fall into deep sleep. Aiming at revising Statistics and all other maths stuff to get myself prep up for schoo. Oh.. can't wait for term starts.
Will be involve in NDP soon. First on the list is the fun pack packing. So if you ever find food missing from your fun pack at the parade. It may have already made its way to my stomach! haha. Just kidding. Pretty cool to be involve. Perhaps the only chance to be involve in this gigantic event even though it means sacrificing my weekends.
And yes! finally collected the full set of Rubik's cube. Latest addition is the 2x2 cube which i have been hunting for high and low. By now, manage to solve the 2x2, 3x3, 4x4 while the 5x5 sits comfortably in its packaging. haha! some day i will solve it. SOME day.
Auf Wiedersehen!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Holidays ending
End of my holiday and back to camp on tuesday. Boohoo...! But seriously, a even longer break and i will start to cultivate fungi and put it up for sale when it time to harvest. haha!
Spend lots of time getting in touch with my piano and of course a good recommendation from my friend to get music scores means finger happy on the mouse button downloading and printing piano scores. Chopin made its way into my favourite list of composers now. Currently working on his nocturne and a bit on the ballade previously posted. Oh.. How i wish i can play like him! Well, a little inspiration was drawn from "The Pianist" DVD which i got it during the week. The movie also serve as a good way to refresh and brush up my german. Guten Tag!
Learning to drive is so expensive! Just to get all the necessary paperwork done nearly killed me.
Invited to showcase at a photography exhibition somewhere in Bishan. In that area's library i think.. Post up more details once it starts to flow in. Keep watch!
Well its kinda weird going out for dinner with dad (normally its a family thing). But hey! Good food, cold beer. Nothing else matters more.
Auf Wiedersehen!
Spend lots of time getting in touch with my piano and of course a good recommendation from my friend to get music scores means finger happy on the mouse button downloading and printing piano scores. Chopin made its way into my favourite list of composers now. Currently working on his nocturne and a bit on the ballade previously posted. Oh.. How i wish i can play like him! Well, a little inspiration was drawn from "The Pianist" DVD which i got it during the week. The movie also serve as a good way to refresh and brush up my german. Guten Tag!
Learning to drive is so expensive! Just to get all the necessary paperwork done nearly killed me.
Invited to showcase at a photography exhibition somewhere in Bishan. In that area's library i think.. Post up more details once it starts to flow in. Keep watch!
Well its kinda weird going out for dinner with dad (normally its a family thing). But hey! Good food, cold beer. Nothing else matters more.
Auf Wiedersehen!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
More taiwan please...
alright. I have to truly apologize to everyone for not getting gifts from taiwan. R&R time is short and there is endless things to see, do and eat! Sorry sorry sorry. Next time k. i want to go back there again. Or if u go there before i do again, happy shopping! =) And i know its not an excuse but do pardon me for forgetting the little details about you (as in all my friends), i just need to re-adjust and update myself back here.
Outfield, lazing under the tree and somehow still get sun burnt. Talk anything and everything under the sun. The smell then the sight of a Ninja Van selling Ji Pai, milk tea and zhua bing. Oooo... yummy yummy yummy! Gave us that much needed energy boost even though we have combat rations within arms length. Of course there are times where restrictions are imposed and we can only drool as the van drive past us.
Booze a plenty when opportunity comes. A small bottle or two, chit chat and laugh at lame jokes and actions. Smoke? Nah.. i rather stick to my stand "One life, No puff".
Okay fine, my chinese is crap. Always at the food stall staring at the long list of items for a few minutes only to order food that i can pronounce like.... Ji Pai! Zhen Zhu Nai Cha! haha! Otherwise, just point point lo! lol! sometimes english found its way into my horrible chinese sentence. Communicating with the locals are even worst when i get tongue tied. Ouch! alright. my chinese is crap.
Even though i just got back after being away for so long, i am all prepared to board the plane bound for another destination. Wee..! Oh well.. that will have to wait. Urgh! Suffering from taiwan withdrawal symptoms. Pardon me..
Auf Wiedersehen!
Outfield, lazing under the tree and somehow still get sun burnt. Talk anything and everything under the sun. The smell then the sight of a Ninja Van selling Ji Pai, milk tea and zhua bing. Oooo... yummy yummy yummy! Gave us that much needed energy boost even though we have combat rations within arms length. Of course there are times where restrictions are imposed and we can only drool as the van drive past us.
Booze a plenty when opportunity comes. A small bottle or two, chit chat and laugh at lame jokes and actions. Smoke? Nah.. i rather stick to my stand "One life, No puff".
Okay fine, my chinese is crap. Always at the food stall staring at the long list of items for a few minutes only to order food that i can pronounce like.... Ji Pai! Zhen Zhu Nai Cha! haha! Otherwise, just point point lo! lol! sometimes english found its way into my horrible chinese sentence. Communicating with the locals are even worst when i get tongue tied. Ouch! alright. my chinese is crap.
Even though i just got back after being away for so long, i am all prepared to board the plane bound for another destination. Wee..! Oh well.. that will have to wait. Urgh! Suffering from taiwan withdrawal symptoms. Pardon me..
Below shows the golden damper ball held on by hydraulic system on top of taipei 101.
Auf Wiedersehen!
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
36 days in Taiwan
Arrived back this morning at 12.30am then head back to camp with all my bulky luggage before getting home at around 4.30am this morning. And then..... unpack, shower and laundry. Manage to get some sleep some 36 hours later. Taipei has so much things to do and see, we rather sacrifice our sleep. haha!
31 Mar, head to the airport at night. Took the train arriving early at the airport. So bought drink head up to the viewing mall to check out the flight movement at night in Terminal 1. Soon after met up with all my friends to talk talk, take pictures and more food. First yr PC was there to send us off too. in fact most ORD personnel were there to send us off. Upon getting our boarding pass we went in to explore the terminal. Bought a short novel The Alchemist to read which makes it the 3rd book i am bring up to taiwan. haha! The other guys wanted to explore terminal 3 which i am not keen to because boarding gate is on the side other side of the terminal closer to T2. The remaining few had Sakae Sushi and laze around till its time to board.
Boarding was delayed. Well... it is not handled by the airport staffs but rather by our own people which causes a mad rush to board the plane and rush for take off. People were still finding seats when we push back from the gate for the runway. Well.. this is a chartered flight after all.
Destination: TPE (Taipei) via KHH (Kaoshiung, Taiwan)
Aircraft type: Boeing 747-400
Departing Runway: 20C
Arriving Runway: Unknown
Departure Time: 0315 hours
Arrival Time: 0645 hours
Flight Time: 3hr 40 mins
Skipped the in-flight details. All i could say was it a enjoyable flight. That's why i always prefer Asian airlines. Love it! Got some sleep here and there. Before I knew it, we were descending into KHH. Bus to terminal as there no boarding gate assigned to us. Aircraft carried on to Taipei. I believe its a ferry flight meaning flying empty to carry on it next assigned flight. Stepped out of the aircraft and we get a breeze of cool wind giving us a rough idea of the weather there.
2 hours bus ride to camp near Heng Chun city. [*Editied]. Just to get used to the terrain a.k.a MOUNTAINS! [*Editied]. Climbing up mountains will encounter Mango plantations which tempt me to pluck and eat. haha! View from up there Wonderful! Love the view especially in the early morning at first light the sun cast golden rays on the mountain side. Priceless. Sorry. No photos due to camera restrictions.
Evaluation did extremely well. [*Editied] Get the job done and did well overall.
Had a short R&R. Dinner at one of the local resort where we drown ourselve with lots of beer. I only had 1 bottle but the rest... let the picture speak for itself. Visited the National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium and also Heng Chun Night market.
[*Editied] Night can be very cold but often i am found alseep soundly without much additonal layers to keep warm while others struggle to keep warm. haha!
So here comes the long awaited 3 days R&R in taipei. We bus up north about 9 hours ride. First stop was JanFuShan Theme park. I don't where i found the guts to hop on the free fall thinggy and the bottomless roller coaster that twist and turn and goes 360 deg.
Upon reaching Taipei didn't have much free time left before being confined to our hotel room. So we quickly cab to the nearest night market Huaxi Street Night Market famous for its Snake meat (Read Ewwww....!) haha. then next was Xi Men ting! Fame for its trendy street wear.
2nd day went to Windows on China and Leofoo Village. Windows on China is like a small world with its many scaled replica of famous buildings around the world. Took too many pictures that my battery went low before lunch! argh! Okay. Next stop is Leofoo Village. Considered to be the best theme park by the locals. Didn't try the rides since i had enough the day before. Night's free and easy head to Xi Men Ting again! haha! Spend more time there and got more clothes. then we go to Shilin Night Market. Suppose to eat la, but don't know why we end up shopping again.
Interesting thing happen was how illegal vendors manage to clear the streets in matter of 2-3 mins when they were alerted of police patrol. haha! You have to be there to experience it yourself.
Last day was a full day free and easy. Rained in the morning, average day temp is 16 degC. Went to Taipei 101. tallest building in the world. Visited the observatory. The mall down below is very very very very high end with all the branded products. Place is squeky clean and shiny. Only unsightly thing is some of our superiors dressed in T-shirt, shorts and slippers doing shopping. haiz..! Viva Singapore la! Time is short, made a bad decision to visit SOGO departmental store area. Not a place for us to go. So for the 3rd time we took their MRT to Xi Men Ting again! spend like 30 mins there before rush back to hotel pick up our bags and head to the airport catch the flight home.
Destination: SIN (Changi, Singapore)
Aircraft Type: Boeing 777-300 ER
Departing Runway: Unknown
Arriving Runway: 02C
Departure time: 2020 hours
Arrival time: 0030 hours +1
Flight Time: 4 hours
One of the many flights i don't wish to board. Coz i am leaving taiwan when i am not even done with it! But quite excited to try the 777-300ER, heard many reviews and praises for this variant of the Boeing 777 family. In-flight entertainment kept me awake through out. Got myself a Herpa model of the same aircraft i am in. Happy! =)
Landed early morning. Did duty free shopping. Got more wines to add on to my collection. =) didn't manage to leave airport until 2.30am because of transport problems. Anway, happy to be back home after being away so long. Currently on 2 weeks leave.
Hmm... Next trip overseas looking at Perth, Australia or Taipei! haha! Somewhere around the december holidays.
P.S - Remaining Photos will be upload @ my online album
Auf Wiedersehen!
31 Mar, head to the airport at night. Took the train arriving early at the airport. So bought drink head up to the viewing mall to check out the flight movement at night in Terminal 1. Soon after met up with all my friends to talk talk, take pictures and more food. First yr PC was there to send us off too. in fact most ORD personnel were there to send us off. Upon getting our boarding pass we went in to explore the terminal. Bought a short novel The Alchemist to read which makes it the 3rd book i am bring up to taiwan. haha! The other guys wanted to explore terminal 3 which i am not keen to because boarding gate is on the side other side of the terminal closer to T2. The remaining few had Sakae Sushi and laze around till its time to board.
Boarding was delayed. Well... it is not handled by the airport staffs but rather by our own people which causes a mad rush to board the plane and rush for take off. People were still finding seats when we push back from the gate for the runway. Well.. this is a chartered flight after all.
Destination: TPE (Taipei) via KHH (Kaoshiung, Taiwan)
Aircraft type: Boeing 747-400
Departing Runway: 20C
Arriving Runway: Unknown
Departure Time: 0315 hours
Arrival Time: 0645 hours
Flight Time: 3hr 40 mins
Skipped the in-flight details. All i could say was it a enjoyable flight. That's why i always prefer Asian airlines. Love it! Got some sleep here and there. Before I knew it, we were descending into KHH. Bus to terminal as there no boarding gate assigned to us. Aircraft carried on to Taipei. I believe its a ferry flight meaning flying empty to carry on it next assigned flight. Stepped out of the aircraft and we get a breeze of cool wind giving us a rough idea of the weather there.
2 hours bus ride to camp near Heng Chun city. [*Editied]. Just to get used to the terrain a.k.a MOUNTAINS! [*Editied]. Climbing up mountains will encounter Mango plantations which tempt me to pluck and eat. haha! View from up there Wonderful! Love the view especially in the early morning at first light the sun cast golden rays on the mountain side. Priceless. Sorry. No photos due to camera restrictions.
Evaluation did extremely well. [*Editied] Get the job done and did well overall.
Had a short R&R. Dinner at one of the local resort where we drown ourselve with lots of beer. I only had 1 bottle but the rest... let the picture speak for itself. Visited the National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium and also Heng Chun Night market.
[*Editied] Night can be very cold but often i am found alseep soundly without much additonal layers to keep warm while others struggle to keep warm. haha!
So here comes the long awaited 3 days R&R in taipei. We bus up north about 9 hours ride. First stop was JanFuShan Theme park. I don't where i found the guts to hop on the free fall thinggy and the bottomless roller coaster that twist and turn and goes 360 deg.
Upon reaching Taipei didn't have much free time left before being confined to our hotel room. So we quickly cab to the nearest night market Huaxi Street Night Market famous for its Snake meat (Read Ewwww....!) haha. then next was Xi Men ting! Fame for its trendy street wear. 2nd day went to Windows on China and Leofoo Village. Windows on China is like a small world with its many scaled replica of famous buildings around the world. Took too many pictures that my battery went low before lunch! argh! Okay. Next stop is Leofoo Village. Considered to be the best theme park by the locals. Didn't try the rides since i had enough the day before. Night's free and easy head to Xi Men Ting again! haha! Spend more time there and got more clothes. then we go to Shilin Night Market. Suppose to eat la, but don't know why we end up shopping again. Interesting thing happen was how illegal vendors manage to clear the streets in matter of 2-3 mins when they were alerted of police patrol. haha! You have to be there to experience it yourself.Last day was a full day free and easy. Rained in the morning, average day temp is 16 degC. Went to Taipei 101. tallest building in the world. Visited the observatory. The mall down below is very very very very high end with all the branded products. Place is squeky clean and shiny. Only unsightly thing is some of our superiors dressed in T-shirt, shorts and slippers doing shopping. haiz..! Viva Singapore la! Time is short, made a bad decision to visit SOGO departmental store area. Not a place for us to go. So for the 3rd time we took their MRT to Xi Men Ting again! spend like 30 mins there before rush back to hotel pick up our bags and head to the airport catch the flight home.
Destination: SIN (Changi, Singapore)
Aircraft Type: Boeing 777-300 ER
Departing Runway: Unknown
Arriving Runway: 02C
Departure time: 2020 hours
Arrival time: 0030 hours +1
Flight Time: 4 hours
One of the many flights i don't wish to board. Coz i am leaving taiwan when i am not even done with it! But quite excited to try the 777-300ER, heard many reviews and praises for this variant of the Boeing 777 family. In-flight entertainment kept me awake through out. Got myself a Herpa model of the same aircraft i am in. Happy! =)
Landed early morning. Did duty free shopping. Got more wines to add on to my collection. =) didn't manage to leave airport until 2.30am because of transport problems. Anway, happy to be back home after being away so long. Currently on 2 weeks leave.Hmm... Next trip overseas looking at Perth, Australia or Taipei! haha! Somewhere around the december holidays.
P.S - Remaining Photos will be upload @ my online album
Auf Wiedersehen!
Monday, March 31, 2008
See you in May!
Alright guys! Heading to the airport in a couple of hour time. Still can contact me in taiwan through my mobile. But no prank calls or don't call to tell me a joke or something like that. I make sure you will pay for that few DOLLARS of talk time. Best way is to message me and wait for me to call back.
Auf Wiedersehen!
Auf Wiedersehen!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
The final battle
Past few days have been listening to high ranking officers giving us motivational talks and giving us thanks. The push for the final battle begins in a few days time. Today we all did a reflection. A reflection of the days that have flew by probably faster than the concord.
1 year 6 months begin with training in BMTC before joining my current unit. Much have been done since then for example Army Open house and Bilatral exercies. Ops duties are part and parcel of a combat unit. Of course we have to stand up and respond to the call at the sacrifice of time spend with all love ones.
Training no doubt is tough. Injuries never seems to be recovering. My sprained ankle and knee hurts most when aggrivated. But can never avoid to aggrivate it because i need my legs to walk, to run. So endure through the pain.
With so much encouragement and good comments coming from people all the way from the top. And i really mean the TOP! A reputation built from zero to something takes no mean feat to built. As the final battle begins soon.
I begin to wonder, has all that i gone through the past 1 year and 6 months. is it all worth it? all the sacrifices made in and out of camp. 36 days is a long trip. Of course i am always looking forward to the R&R, a chance to see taiwan in its asian glory as a high tech city.
I will leave it up to the day when the jet aircraft touch terra firma in Singapore to tell the answer to all. The final battle... Let's see what all comes down to. All i know for now. I am just a citizen soldier.
Auf Wiedersehen!
1 year 6 months begin with training in BMTC before joining my current unit. Much have been done since then for example Army Open house and Bilatral exercies. Ops duties are part and parcel of a combat unit. Of course we have to stand up and respond to the call at the sacrifice of time spend with all love ones.
Training no doubt is tough. Injuries never seems to be recovering. My sprained ankle and knee hurts most when aggrivated. But can never avoid to aggrivate it because i need my legs to walk, to run. So endure through the pain.
With so much encouragement and good comments coming from people all the way from the top. And i really mean the TOP! A reputation built from zero to something takes no mean feat to built. As the final battle begins soon.
I begin to wonder, has all that i gone through the past 1 year and 6 months. is it all worth it? all the sacrifices made in and out of camp. 36 days is a long trip. Of course i am always looking forward to the R&R, a chance to see taiwan in its asian glory as a high tech city.
I will leave it up to the day when the jet aircraft touch terra firma in Singapore to tell the answer to all. The final battle... Let's see what all comes down to. All i know for now. I am just a citizen soldier.
Auf Wiedersehen!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Take it with a pinch of Salt
Let's take it with a pinch of salt, leading two seperate lives as one is difficult. Everyday is like treading through a minefield. I will never know when i step on a mine, big or small.
Quietly, i saw it coming. Didn't want to say it out because of my promises. Gave the trust but was betrayed. For those who still don't know me well, whenever i am committed into something, I make sure i see it right to the end. I will get pissed and/or annoyed easily when i don't see it finishing. And also trust is one thing that is hard to gain from me. Never one day i will simply give my trust to people just because they need it. Either you earn it or you find it somewhere else.
Seriously, i have to admit my actions have a part to play in all that has happen, i don't hold blame to anyone for it. But its hard to accept apologies and forgive. Give me some time. For now, there is a void inside me. 2 in fact.
At the end of the day, I will take it with a pinch of salt. I leave for taiwan with a few questions in my mind answered. A little unsettled still, hard to give it all up, all the hopes and dreams I will still hold dear to me, let it linger in my mind perhaps as a source for motivation during the tough 30 odd days there but work will still go on. Be brave and strong as there are more things in life awaits me! =) Thanks Joel for being there when I am most down and out. Truely blessed to have this friendship, brotherhood. God will continue to bless us!
Auf Wiedersehen!
Quietly, i saw it coming. Didn't want to say it out because of my promises. Gave the trust but was betrayed. For those who still don't know me well, whenever i am committed into something, I make sure i see it right to the end. I will get pissed and/or annoyed easily when i don't see it finishing. And also trust is one thing that is hard to gain from me. Never one day i will simply give my trust to people just because they need it. Either you earn it or you find it somewhere else.
Seriously, i have to admit my actions have a part to play in all that has happen, i don't hold blame to anyone for it. But its hard to accept apologies and forgive. Give me some time. For now, there is a void inside me. 2 in fact.
At the end of the day, I will take it with a pinch of salt. I leave for taiwan with a few questions in my mind answered. A little unsettled still, hard to give it all up, all the hopes and dreams I will still hold dear to me, let it linger in my mind perhaps as a source for motivation during the tough 30 odd days there but work will still go on. Be brave and strong as there are more things in life awaits me! =) Thanks Joel for being there when I am most down and out. Truely blessed to have this friendship, brotherhood. God will continue to bless us!
Auf Wiedersehen!
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