Back to the jockey cap days

Barely a week after my BM course, I was sent for the class 4 driving course. I had always hoped to go for it, since I can escape my daily workshop chores, and in the meantime learn driving to for free. It is impossible for me to clock the 7000km needed to convert a military license to a civilian license, but the skill is much more important than that piece of paper. The downside, however, is compulsory stay-in.

As I arrived at Sembawang camp on Monday, quite a few surprises were in store for me there. Firstly, we would not be learning the driving at Sembawang camp; instead every morning we would be ferried on charted buses to go to Kaki Bukit camp. This means extra travelling and early waking up time, which is set a 5.00am. I believe many people may not have even slept by then. In addition, we have to book in and out in smart 4 and field pack, and wear a jockey cap instead of a beret. This closely and eerily resembles the practice at Tekong, and I feel suddenly I’m restarting my recruit life. Unlike BMT, whereby everyone is of the same rank and without much hair, my Group (something like Platoon) comprises of people from 1SG to REC, from Air Force and PDF to AMB and Guards. This rojak of technicians, guards, drivers, air defense personnel is unique compared to other courses, and possibly would be the source of all the fun and quarrel in the weeks to come.

In my bunk, there’s a 2SG who has lots of stories to share about his army days. His personal perspective adds on the news I read on the TV or newspaper, as he was present when airplane crashes in Taiwan and other stories. There’s also a PSC scholar and Harvard graduate with a Master degrees in Statistics, who has a very different view on the various issues I discussed with him. 2 Guards Sergeants also share the bunk with me, and they’re unexpectedly quiet and soft-spoken. And there’s an Indian guy whose vocation is driver and shares the same instructor with me.

Now let me talk about the learning experiences so far. The instructors are very fierce group of people. Most of them cannot tolerate the slightest mistakes. There are some people among us who already have driving license and they expect those without license to be comparable. On my first trial, I can’t even keep a straight course and my Land Rover would zigzag across the lines repeatedly. Despite my apologies and explanations, the instructor kept on scolding me. In the subsequent lessons, he kept on nagging and saying things like “are you trying to kill me”, “don’t you understand”, and so on. He sounded like I owe them millions of dollars. This applies to a lot of the instructors as they. I seriously think they should go for some anger management course and be more patient, and be aware of the fact that a person is simply not able to learn everything he is taught.

Nevertheless my skills improved and I can drive on the road without much fuss. It feels very fast just to travel at 50km/h, and I wonder why people want to speed beyond 100km/h on a normal road, without the slightest regard to their and other road users’ safety. Now waiting to drive my 3 toner.

1 MORE YEAR TO ORD!

A period of rest

Finally Tiger Storm is over! Actually it was over one week ago but I was lazing around during this well-deserved break. I have been playing Dungeon Siege 2 and watching some old movies such as Saving Private Ryan, just to regain a certain degree of sanity. In the meantime I have attended the Cambridge interview and scored 2130 for my SAT, so I have no matters to bother me at least for now. As I am now back in OETI for BM3 course, life could not have been better. How I wish it will continue like this for the rest of my NS life.

There was a “hype” in the Physics community in Singapore this week. Chen Ying Yang is here for a series of talk and conference to celebrate his 85th birthday. Given his popularity and age, he is worshipped like a star, constantly being swarmed around by students eager to take a photo with him or get his autograph. Of course I took the chance to take a photo with him.

Prof. CN Yang, me and Dax

Muhammad Liuyun

For those who have gone swimming with me before, they would know the problem of my skin; it will turn very dark after just a short period of exposure under the sun. With almost everyone craving for a tan and gets frustrated for not getting one after bathing under the sun for hours, my skin is an anomaly, or an envy in some cases. But to me, it is simply troubling. And this strange phenomenon seems to manifest into a more vigorous from. Even after indoor activities such as badminton or swimming during a cloudy day, my skin would inexorably turn dark (although not as dark if there is sun). I wonder where it gets the UV light, or it just doesn’t need any UV at all?

Because of this, Mustafa and other people in my BMT section will call me “Muhammad Liuyun” after a PT session, as my skin is darker than any “Muhammad’s” on the street.

an update

Just giving some update on these few days.

I went back to NJC on yesterday, to get my reference for my UK university application. Once inside the school compound, it seemed so full of life! The field was fenced up and banners and posters were hanging from everywhere and on everything. The pillars, the fences, on the walls, the preparation for open day looked well done. People were, like usual, chatting at the grand stand and playing around the basketball court and at the D. Why the school was suddenly such a buzz?

Realized how fast my JC life was actually over. Results were collected, testimonial written, farewell said, and the school looks like a frozen throne that can only be admired from far, but eternal separation from the inner self. It only seems like weeks ago that I was mugging in one corner of the library, but now it is replaced with another person in grey.

I saw Mr Sim, the school counsellor at the office. He was still very sarcastic and critical of UK universities as usual, spoke with a degree of credibility and humour, as he helped me to get in CMU anyway. Then I talked to Mr Chia, who was as friendly as ever. You could literally talk everything to him and he will speak to you like a friend. We discussed how my classmates are doing. He complained how stressful and busy a teacher is, and how he wished his bond would end soon. We were often deceived by what we believed and thought, only to regret it later. It’s quite true isn’t it?

After that I submitted the forms and settled everything. I craned to go back home as I was really sick. The piercing sore throat, coupled with severe lack of sleep, made me want to faint at any moment and I could hardly exert any strength.

On another note, I de toured to airport to eat after the visit to NEWater Plant today. The Popeyes were so nice! Oh mine I don’t know how would I be able to swallow KFC next time. I highly recommend everyone to try it, if you have not.

Yangtze river dolphin

Today woke up to the news that the Yangtze river dolphin may be extinct. Although not declared officially, a team of researchers had failed to find any sign this mammal in a survey that span about six weeks around its habitat. Back in the late 1990s a similar survey found thirteen live dolphins. In the 1950s their population numbered in the thousands. The last sighting was five years ago, and conservationists said that after such an intensive effort, they can be quite sure that the baiji may be gone for good.

From the BBC website
"The team, writing in Biology Letters journal, blamed unregulated fishing as the main reason behind their demise.

If confirmed, it would be the first extinction of a large vertebrate for over 50 years.

The species (Lipotes vexillifer) was the only remaining member of the Lipotidae, an ancient mammal family that is understood to have separated from other marine mammals, including whales, dolphins and porpoises, about 40-20 million years ago.

The white, freshwater dolphin had a long, narrow beak and low dorsal fin; lived in groups of three or four and fed on fish. "

I had not seen a Yangtze river dolphin before, considering its rarity, and feel no personal remorse or sadness at such a loss. However, what infuriates me is the fact the news is not even reported in China, despite making headline on the BBC. In pursuit of economic success and the jubilant celebration on the one-year countdown to the Beijing Olympics, people had not even realised that something is gone forever from this planet, or the universe, right beside them.

The impact cannot be felt immediately. It's not like losing your entire savings overnight or losing your loved ones. There is no economic, political or social loss. I heard an anology somewhere. The eco-system is like a house, and the specices are the building blocks. If you pull out one block of brick once in a while you would not feel any difference. Until you reach the critical point when the entire building collapses, it would be too late already.

A*Star Scholarship Award Ceremony

Today can be considered a very important day in my life. After all the interviews, rehearsals, and plus the essays and sleepless nights, this chapter has ended, with a 'bang'. Woke up 7 in the morning to attend the last dance practice. Everyone was looking a bit blur somehow, but effect of the music was immediate; all seemed to be high and starting to concentrate. Out of all the performing groups, we are by far the most dedicated and hardworking one, practising during the 'peak' hour after lunch, the time when all the rest were falling asleep. A pool of hyper-active reds and blacks, outshining the Storm and choir. Another funny thing is that, everyone seems to know the entire dance already. Though most of us would only appear less than 1 minute, not counting the starting pose, we were getting our hands on the entire thing. We guys were mimicking the girls' part rather professionally, and we were all laughing at our ridiculous frivolity.

Then comes the real ceremony. I changed to a very formal attire with tie just like the rest. I haven't touched a tie since JC, and obviously had to ask someone to help me with it. An astounding discovery was made. The guys were wearing shirts with all the colours under the sun, and in contrast, the girls, who by conventional wisdom, were supposedly to dress in greater variety, were monotonously attired in black and white.

The video by the seniors were very interesting, making a joke out of Uncle Yeo and Super A*. Wonder how much A* Star spend on advertising and promotion. The Guest of Honour, Minster of Manpower, gave a very long speech. I must admit his words make a lot of sense. Soon it was my turn to go up the stage and take the scroll from him. He was nice enough to say 'Congratulation' to me. Later I learned that he didn't even open his mouth to a lot of the scholars. Of course I replied "Thank you very much".

Later was the dance. I tried my best to do everything properly, but at the point of time, I wasn't even thinking about the moves. My head was blank; my body just moved. The lighting was so flashy and bright that I can't see much at all. Technically speaking, lots of mistakes were made, and synchronisation for running in and out was mess up also. When it was all over, everybody were euphoric and trying their best not to scream at the backstage.

Lastly must thank Dax and Yan Shao for coming down to watch the ceremony. Sadly my parents could not make it. Really grateful to them. At the reception we dancers went a bit crazy, posing in all sorts of formation for photos. It attracted so much attention that everyone was taking photos of us. Felt really shy at the point. Didn't know I could have joined done all that.

Quit from DOTA

To myself, and all those reading this blog.

Dear Liu Yun

Since you were introduced to the game of DOTA in year 2005, you have been actively playing it over the past 2 years. Your level of participation is not consistently active, but sporadic periods of craze were practiced.

DOTA, or Defence of the Ancients, is a customized map for the Warcraft 3 Frozen Throne game. It is a highly popular game among people from all walks of life. However, its addictive game play and constantly updated maps make it disruptive to your life. Not only has it ruined your eyesight, it also ate into your valuable time which could be better spent doing other things, such as reading or gaining new skills. Your intrapersonal character is also strengthened indirectly from day to day, as you feel more urged to stay at home. Furthermore, it makes you more addicted to computer itself, exacerbating your back pain due to prolonged hour of sitting in front of the screen. It has also been noted that despite playing frequently, your standard has not significantly improved. This shows that pro gaming is not a possible career path for you.

Undeniably, it has brought you great fun. It was one of the main sources of entertainment after booking out and “staying in touch” with friends if it was not convenient to meet face to face. However, have you realized that its level of destructiveness is beyond imagination, for it is a game with no beginning and no end?

Therefore after deliberate considerations, I hereby declare that Liu Yun, will officially quit from DOTA from today onwards. Unless for the sake of socializing (i.e. LAN), you shall not initiate any game or engage in any game with any other person(s). Any breach of rule will be dealt severely and without sympathy.

By Order

Spinal disc herniation

Ever since the MO at Tekong recommended me for non-combat vocation in March following a X-ray scan, the subsequent three months were filled with medical appointments. It was a tiring burden as all of them were scheduled at Changi General Hospital, and I live at West Coast. On top of the physical distances I need to cover, there is this psychological discomfort I need to bear, always thinking that there is something seriously wrong with me.

My fear is not based just on the medical report by some doctor. My lower left back really gives me pain when I stand or sit for too long, or when I carry heavy stuff. Sometimes the simple act of walking will be a test for my endurance of pain. And the pain extends to my left thigh more often than not.

And so I went physiotherapy one time after another. He suspected that it was spinal disc herniation, or commonly known as slipped disc. The traction treatment I received was rather effective, but the pain never went away totally. I did MRI scan to confirm my problem, but the specialists were so busy that I could only see him for the second time today, to hear the verdict.

"MRI lumbar spine shows degenerative disease most significant at L3/4 and L4/5 level. At L3/4, there is generalised bulging of the disc with narrowing of the lateral recesses bilaterally. At L4/5, there is a large (L) paracentral disc protrusion which narrows the (L) side of the central canal as well as the ipsilateral lateral recess. The (L) descending L5 nervo root is compressed and displaced posteriorly."

The final diagnosis by the specialist is: I am perfectly normal. He said there is some degree of spinal bulge, but within the normal range. And everyone has some sort of spinal bulge, he added. I just can't believe what he said. Where the pain comes from? He attributed it to some probable back sprains.

Although I am not overjoyed as the pain still lingers, this session lifted a dark cloud that had shadowed over me, and somehow I felt much better without any physical reduction in the pain. The psychological burden, in this case, may have contributed greatly to my discomfort.

FFI

Today went to medical centre for my FFI for OCS in the afternoon. Supposed to go sometime last month but can't remember the exact date, and got a serious scolding from WSM. I waited more than an hour just to get my unrine and blood pressure tested, and when I finally met the MO, it's such an unpleasant experience. Extract of our conversation:

(I knocked the door before I opened it)

MO: Hurry up come in.

(I murmured something like "good morning sir", which I doubted he heard. Then I sat down. He was looking at my forms and the computer screen.)

MO: So you got any medical problem?

Yun: I'm waiting for my MRI scan result for my lower back.

MO: So?

Yun: ......(I was wondering how to reply.)

MO: Who recommended you for the MRI?

Yun: The specialist at Changi Hospital.

MO: Who recommended you for the specialist?

Yun: The MO at Tekong.

(A puase, during which he copied my eyesight and some other medical information from the computer screen onto the form.)

MO: So why are you here when you're supposed to go OCS?

Yun: Oh the time the MO misdiagnosed, said I fractured my back.

MO: So?

Yun: Eh...... (Not again.)

MO: So you're unfit lah. Ok go and give this to the clerk next door.

(He handed he pieces of paper and I walked off from there.)

仙剑奇侠传四

From 云之笔端

酝酿了3年，大宇又拔剑出鞘,准备在今年暑假推出仙剑续作《仙剑奇侠传四》。这部举世不朽的游戏的续集是否能再次点燃中国单机RPG游戏的圣火？从已经发布的宣传画与短片来看，游戏中不乏新鲜概念，不仅延续了仙剑的传统优势，还推陈出新，第一次能让主角“换衣服”。当然对我来说，最主要的还是故事情节能否像一代那样经典，整体操作是否得心应手，还有就是画面与背景音乐是否能创新高。

From 云之笔端

还记得在新乡的时候我玩的第一个游戏就是仙剑，当时大概还是小四吧，在学校没事就是在讨论剧情、BOSS的打法、迷宫怎么走等，似乎有说不完的话题。一直到我来新之前（初一毕业的时候），我认识的朋友大多都还在玩第N次。虽然暗黑曾轰动一时，不过还是仙剑长存不老，一直活在大家的心中。

从来没支持过正版游戏，小学的时候没有意识到，中学来新，想支持但心有余而力不足，这儿的进口国产游戏太贵了。希望仙剑四成为我买的第一款正版游戏。

ubuntu Feisty Fawn

A few weeks ago tried out Ubuntu 7.04 feisty fawn. It's a Linux operating system. What an experience it gives me. The interface is striking and dazzling, and the architecture is simple and light. At the start, it gives a very good feel.

As I explores deeper into it, it somehow tires me with its difference with windows. There is such a huge demand to memorise computing commands to be "in control". No such thing as .exe file, no "download and run" kind of feeling. It is more like MSDOS with a colourful interface forced onto it. I think its a big reason why linux is not big on personal computing.

But as I get over the first waves of shock, all the benefits start to show. Just like stinky tofu, after overcoming the pungent smells, the delicious food is all mine to devour. Fast and furious, it doesn't eat into my system memory unnecessarily. There are great bundles of free softwares and on-the-fly installation system, and thus I get exactly what I want. No anti-virus, anti-spyaware, anti-malware, anti-Trojan horse, anti-key loggers, anti-adware, anti-scumware, whatever you name it, needed.

Not only I got a fair share of my curiosity satisfied, and conscience cleared, as the entire system is free, legally.

Still the switch back is inevitable. The lure of Dota and my printer (it doesn't work with linux) proved too much to resist. After installing windows xp back (nearly cannot switch back due to system error), I got unique feeling: I just alighted from a manual car produced in 2050, and got on to a auto car produced in 1950.