tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122794792024-03-09T05:07:05.347+08:00Knowledge-CapacityNicholas Kwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120024628309567484noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12279479.post-86129472397292183212007-10-02T10:56:00.000+08:002007-10-02T11:10:06.519+08:00Whew... SeptemberI guess September has come and gone. Well, it is kind of unfortunate that the promotional examinations have to take place on that month, and it wasn't easy either.<br />I'm starting to have a ominous feeling about GP. Maths, PHY, CHEM, ECONs seem quite okay, though General Paper (and mother tongue) are the hurdles. Let's hope...<br />Well, now I know why almost half of the school population got retained in its first 2 years... in order to promote, one would need to pass ALL subjects (except 2 H2s where by you need to get at least a Sub-Pass [Sub-Pass != Pass]).<br />---<br />Back to PostItLive (my news site). Maintaining it was never easy, well, at least for my web host. :D My site grew quite slowly because I was dedicating my time to study as well. At least effort paid off - well, to a person owning a site, some pages in my site are somewhat "valuable". In addition, PostItLive has quite a lot of content - 340+ posts! Well, at least it is a milestone for my site, though most other blogs probably hit 1500+ posts anyway.<br /><br />At long last, got a domain for my news site. Though, it is not PostItLive, it is TEvine. I haven't got my site ready - must have been too busy hunting domains. Well, at least I have a domain with some potential in it. I hope I'll get this site ready soon.<br />---<br />I just noticed something - some of my friends blog got deleted (e.g. Jacob, Si Kai). Maybe it could be they deliberately self-destructed their blog, or maybe Google did it for them. Only more active blogs remained.Nicholas Kwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120024628309567484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12279479.post-7871717043750468742007-07-25T21:39:00.000+08:002007-07-25T21:48:18.647+08:00Ongoings: July 2007The mid-year results are out, and I must say, its a good thing I improvised on that study method ("multi-tier studying") and answering method ("hit and run", due to lack of time). I knew the papers were never easy, and I was proven right. At least I managed to pass almost all my subjects, with the exception of my Mother Tongue (mistakes <em>do</em> happen :/). I managed to skim by my H2s with a D (except for H2 Maths, where I had a B), while H1s has an E. My results are a stark contrast to my fellow peers, some of them are even counting their Us (ungraded) rather than their passes. I feel kind of fortunate that I managed to actually pass the mid years on the whole, while majority were still hit by the very fact that the O levels aren't the A levels - it's one step higher, and so are the difficulty of the tests.<br /><br />What are my next targets? I do still hope to improve, especially for the upcoming examinations (not just the Promos, but the A levels). I still have plan B, but I'll not use it until the situation becomes very dire.<br /><br />I'm still updating my previous blog - PostItLive. While not as active as it used to be, it is still continually maintained.Nicholas Kwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120024628309567484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12279479.post-19123347397300753452007-05-25T21:21:00.000+08:002007-05-25T21:33:46.783+08:00Wow, yet another water sproutIt's just been about 5 months since the last famous watersprout was spotted in Singapore. There is a new flurry of excitement as many people watched the water sprout's formation. Obviously, those who are near it get the "front row seat" (the Parkway Parade residents). This water sprout is seen even from Suntec City, even though it occured a distance away at East Coast. Although the water sprout lasted for 15 minutes, it is probably a great experience for many, and to some, it is a nice memory of the most famous water sprout that happened near Sentosa.<br /><br />Though, water sprouts are actually not uncommon (a few water sprouts occur per year, but most of them are rarely documented), but yet we make a nice fuss about it. Well, it could be that, very few water sprouts occur (within 1 km for visible viewing) close to land. Water sprouts rarely cause damage in-land (if they don't make landfall).<br /><br />There are no damages reported arising from the phenomenon.<br /><br />Noted from <a href="http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/278343/1/.html">ChannelNewsAsia</a>Nicholas Kwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120024628309567484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12279479.post-20027004697325124232007-05-04T20:08:00.000+08:002007-05-04T20:30:54.306+08:00Arg...! Calculator madnessGee... now I missed my old calculator. Thinking that a Casio scientific calculator can calculate just like the Sharp scientific calculator [since they are after all, scientific calculators], used to be my original opinion, but now...<br />For some reason, I had to replace my Sharp calculator since I've sort of lost it... [while doing homework in school]<br /><br />Imagine, having input something that looks structurally correct on the calculator, but both calculators end up getting different answers!<br /><br />Example:<br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">1/288*2/3^(5)</span><br /><br />On my Casio calculator, the output was 1/34992 [wrong].<br />On my sister's Sharp calculator, the output was 1/2187 [correct].<br /><br /><a href="http://www.electronicfiles.net/files/4246/sharpvscasio.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" alt="Sharp Vs. Casio" src="http://www.electronicfiles.net/files/4246/sharpvscasio_thumb.jpg" /></a><br /><br />However, if I input:<br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">(1/288)*(2/3)^(5)</span><br />into my Casio calculator, it outputs the correct answer [that is, 1/2187].<br />However, it wastes time, something of an absence in tests...<br /><br />Hmm, that would be extremely disadvantageous during the exam.Nicholas Kwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120024628309567484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12279479.post-68828806252342841632007-04-15T10:10:00.000+08:002007-04-15T10:28:59.233+08:00Updates, more updates<strong>My news site</strong><br />My news site (PostItLive) has gone on several updates since I last talked about it here.<br /><br />My news site is here: <a href="http://postitlive.110mb.com/">http://postitlive.110mb.com/</a><br /><br />I've added a nice feed in this blog coming from my news site (PostItLive). It is viewable on the right.<br /><br />For one, it's URL has changed (and it will change again in the near future). Another change is the site layout, and it's usage of "tags" to categorize posts.<br /><br />Of course, these may not mean much to you, but hey, at least this blog would be "updated" by talking about it here :P.<br /><br />P.S.: I need editors on it, to cater to other topics (like "general" and "off-topic").<br /><br />*I've edited most of the links in this blog, so that you can visit the blog through any of my older posts.<br /><br /><strong>My school</strong><br />I'm still in MJC (Meridian Junior College). I'm actually quite surprized that Marcus is there too (though, in a different CG).Nicholas Kwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120024628309567484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12279479.post-28122180258538361932007-02-05T19:46:00.000+08:002007-02-05T19:51:09.658+08:00O level results (for 2006 candidates) released: Comfirmed by MOEMOE has comfirmed the release of the O Level results. It will be released on the 9th of Febuary, Friday, 2007.<br />The results can be collected from the Secondary School.<br /><br />You can view the press release from MOE (Ministry of Education).<br />Press release: <a href="http://www.moe.gov.sg/press/2007/pr20070205a.htm">http://www.moe.gov.sg/press/2007/pr20070205a.htm</a>Nicholas Kwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120024628309567484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12279479.post-46097600136362592332007-01-14T14:00:00.000+08:002007-04-15T10:15:56.338+08:00Recent ongoingsIt's a pity I caught a cold recently. It came with a sore throat too... Well..., it kind of distracts me from the lectures and all that. By tomorrow, I guess we will be receiving the "permanent" timetable (effects through next 2 months).<br />---<br />There is only a handful of students from our school who managed to make it to MJC (via PAE or DSA).<br />---<br />I would have to take a pass for that class barbeque (on the 14th of January) (I almost forgot about it, but still wouldn't want to go anyway...), since I do not want my cold and coughs to worsen.<br />---<br />The O' level results *may* be coming out on the 8th of February (but 1 thing is for certain, it will come out earlier than the 18th of February, which means, the mood of the Chinese New Year would be dependent on these results).<br />---<br />My parents managed to signup for Starhub Maxonline (yay, finally we would be able to enjoy speeds 5x faster than now). The new internet service should take effect by the 20th of January.<br />---<br />I'm waiting for Windows Vista to come out for general public release (Main event: 29th January at Times Square, USA). (31 January 2007 should be plentiful. Hopefully it would reach Singapore by this time.)<br />---<br />I'm still working on my <a href="http://postitlive.110mb.com/">Newsblog (PostItLive)</a> (an online newspaper). I still need more editors, moderators, and administrators (contact me via <a href="mailto:ready725@gmail.com">Email</a>).Nicholas Kwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120024628309567484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12279479.post-61833453774354012832006-12-24T20:58:00.000+08:002006-12-24T21:14:55.274+08:00SingNet Saga, a TRUE story (SingNet, once again lets another customer down)<p>I do not want to sit in front of a computer only to see a "Page Cannot Be Displayed" message comming out here and there while surfing the net. Its really annoying, and dissapointing to think that we pay people who do not give 100% of what they promised. I'm convinced to switch over to Starhub MaxOnline. (Insert farewell message to SingNet here).</p><p>Here is the proof of the downtimes (using Command prompt "ping" command) [192.168.1.254 is the local modem, accessable only by the family using the modem only]:<br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br /><br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),<br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br /><br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),<br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),<br /><br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),<br /><br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Reply from 192.168.1.254: bytes=32 time=9ms TTL=255<br />Reply from 192.168.1.254: bytes=32 time=8ms TTL=255<br />Reply from 192.168.1.254: bytes=32 time=6ms TTL=255<br />Reply from 192.168.1.254: bytes=32 time=8ms TTL=255<br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds: Minimum = 6ms, Maximum = 9ms, Average = 7ms<br /><br />Now here is another downtime, which occured 20 minutes after the above one.<br /><br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),<br /><br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),<br /><br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),<br /><br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),<br /><br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),<br /><br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),<br /><br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),<br /><br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),<br /><br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),<br /><br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),<br /><br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Reply from 192.168.1.254: bytes=32 time=13ms TTL=255<br />Reply from 192.168.1.254: bytes=32 time=8ms TTL=255<br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 2, Lost = 2 (50% loss),Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds: Minimum = 8ms, Maximum = 13ms, Average = 10ms<br /><br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Reply from 192.168.1.254: bytes=32 time=9ms TTL=255Reply from 192.168.1.254: bytes=32 time=7ms TTL=255Reply from 192.168.1.254: bytes=32 time=3ms TTL=255Reply from 192.168.1.254: bytes=32 time=8ms TTL=255<br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds: Minimum = 3ms, Maximum = 9ms, Average = 6ms<br /><br />Here is yet another recorded downtime (occured 5 minutes after the one before this) that occured today (24 Dec)<br /><br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),<br /><br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),<br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),<br /><br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),<br /><br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),<br /><br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),<br /><br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),<br /><br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),<br /><br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Request timed out.<br />Reply from 192.168.1.254: bytes=32 time=1753ms TTL=255<br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 1, Lost = 3 (75% loss),Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds: Minimum = 1753ms, Maximum = 1753ms, Average = 1753ms<br /><br />C:\Documents and Settings\Nicholas Kwan>ping 192.168.1.254<br />Pinging 192.168.1.254 with 32 bytes of data:<br />Reply from 192.168.1.254: bytes=32 time=7ms TTL=255<br />Reply from 192.168.1.254: bytes=32 time=7ms TTL=255<br />Reply from 192.168.1.254: bytes=32 time=4ms TTL=255<br />Reply from 192.168.1.254: bytes=32 time=7ms TTL=255<br />Ping statistics for 192.168.1.254: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds: Minimum = 4ms, Maximum = 7ms, Average = 6ms </p><p>Other than that, there are 4 other unrecorded downtimes (2 detected by Google, Blogger while writing this post). So SingNet/SingTel, is this your Christmas Eve present for one of your customers? Its NOT very amusing, its very incovenient. Even if you unintendedly do this (which you probably do), please let your customers be heard.</p>Nicholas Kwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120024628309567484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12279479.post-29002551002192411942006-12-20T10:51:00.000+08:002006-12-24T20:58:24.775+08:00SingNet Saga, a TRUE story (Arg... Singnet internet connection getting bad)Oh gee... During the time when I wanted it to be good, it never turns out that way (except on late June). The poor internet connection makes me wonder if all the information downloaded actually passes through a thin wire which is 1mm thick. Singnet, happens to be... one of those few PAID services that upseted me. I didn't want to go to tech support. Why? They would reply with a standard answer: "Okay, we will send someone down there to check on it (the modem)". The worst of the internet connection was last year, where we had a 6 day downtime on the internet connection. The reason? Someone apparently hacked into the sysem and changed the password. So far, the only person who knew the password and WEP key is my father. After much negotiation, the problem is eventually solved... much later.<br />The next series of downtimes occur on July, 2006. It seems that the internet connection was suddenly going on and off at random intervals during the day. By then, my father had given me administrative access since I use the internet most of the time. I had to reset the modem when the connection was horrid. I kept manual downtime logs for future reference (and proof to SingNet/SingTel). My father noticed the problem more and more, since he was unable to access his email. The problem lightened up on late October, when my father changed the password once more. We cannot keep logs on who is accessing the internet connection, since we do not have a router (my father do not want to buy one I could offer to set one up, but do not have the equipment (another computer that has to be on 24/7) to do so). The internet connection is so bad, that it seems as though the internet connection in the school is 7 times better (which it is [a download there have a download speed of over 300KB/sec, while at home, the average download speed at that time was a measly 42KB/sec]).<br />Prior to December. and after September, the internet connection is hovering around the 0.5MBPS range (moderately slow). The internet connection speed stablelized. This was until December, where the connection speed appears to drop after the 7th of December. It worsened until it was a hassle to open my mailbox (at Gmail), access blogger, access whatever webpage. Most webpages were loading half-way. Even the Google main page can load halfway through (quite unusual, since the main page is one of the most lightest webpages online). Not long, it became a hassle to wait for webpages to load in minutes, and sometimes, its just irritating to find that the webpage just loaded halfway.<br />I really want my father to switch the ISP (internet service provide) from SingNet to Starhub (which may not happen in the near future). At the moment, my father decided to signup to another internet service, the well known "wireless@sg", free internet service that will be used actively next year, 2007. The arrangement (the contract that my father signed) lasts for 3 years, and will cost $0.00 (that is the "free" plan, not the "premium" one).<br />Personally, I do not support that plan. Why? The maximum connection speed is 512KBPS (0.5MBPS). The current service Singnet is providing to us is 11MBPS. If we are struggling with a connection speed that is supposed to be over 20 times faster than the "wireless@sg" plan, how fast would the connection speed that "wireless@sg" provide be? Oh..., and, the best part is? SingNet/SingTel is part of that programme! Oh gee.... *Sign*Nicholas Kwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120024628309567484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12279479.post-1166437349135070422006-12-18T18:07:00.000+08:002006-12-20T09:58:23.233+08:00Ongoings...<strong>My newsblog going down...</strong><br />Oh great... one of my sites (the new newsblog) went down due to a domain registrar (place where you sign up for domains like http://www.????????.com...) problem my web host of dealing. Anyways, I do hope that any one of you would visit my new <a href="http://postilive.110mb.com/wordpress/">newsblog</a>. At the moment, a not very stable backup of it is at <a href="http://postitlive.911mb.com/wordpress/">here</a>. I do hope that you could suggest any ideas to improve my blog.<br /><br /><strong>I hate that cold</strong><br />Oh well... I got sick with a flu (within an amazing 3 hours). Whats worst, I had a sore throat and wasn't able to enjoy eating very much. The symtoms are lightening up fortunately.<br /><br /><strong>Meridian Junior College entrance</strong><br />Yay! I got accepted into Meridian Junior college (in Pasir Ris) via PAE (old news). Looks like I'll be joining <a href="http://ironbelly.blogspot.com/">Zul</a> and Shenny :). I'll have to go to the Junior college on the 27th of December (wow, after my birthday!), on 7.45am for a orientation. First, I need to find the shortest (and low cost) path to reach to the JC (I'm looking out for the Ikea Tampines route).Nicholas Kwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120024628309567484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12279479.post-1166055745955149942006-12-14T08:20:00.000+08:002006-12-14T08:22:25.966+08:00MOE PAE (Pre-U Admission Exercise) results releasedYay, I've made it to the JC of choice. :)<br /><br />Go to: <a href="http://www.moe.gov.sg/esp/schadm/pae/">http://www.moe.gov.sg/esp/schadm/pae/</a>Nicholas Kwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120024628309567484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12279479.post-1164967489956047672006-12-01T18:01:00.000+08:002007-04-15T10:16:22.424+08:00The holidaysIts been a long time since I've worked on this blog. Well, I've been preparing (yet) another new <a href="http://postitlive.110mb.com/">blog (PostItLive)</a>. Registration is welcomed.Nicholas Kwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120024628309567484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12279479.post-1162300127758893062006-10-31T21:06:00.000+08:002006-10-31T21:09:38.670+08:00O' Levels - The beginningCambridge is sure getting a lot more creative these days (or years). Well, after all it (the exam) is meant to test out your capabilities. By the way, happy halloween.Nicholas Kwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120024628309567484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12279479.post-1159099567571593862006-09-24T20:02:00.000+08:002006-09-24T20:06:07.600+08:00Prelims Over; New Opponent ApproachesIt was expected that the Prelims are tough. The examination puts you to the test. Well, its the closest you can get to emulating the environment of the O levels examination. About a month left to the written examinations of the O levels.Nicholas Kwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120024628309567484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12279479.post-1156943276202848062006-08-30T21:03:00.000+08:002006-08-30T21:07:56.203+08:00PrelimsThere is a handful of weeks left before the prelims. Thankfully I did my full scale revision a little earlier. Now all I need to do is to recap on my stronger subjects and focus on my weaker subjects. Well, at least I look forward to taking the prelims. It allows me to gauge how well I might perform in te finale (O levels).Nicholas Kwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120024628309567484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12279479.post-1156942933869496792006-08-30T20:50:00.000+08:002006-08-30T21:02:13.890+08:00Happy (?) Teachers DayOuch, that would have to hurt... a poem dedication that became disaster. Well, at least we now know she (a teacher) does not know how to infer from a poem. Obviously, the writer of a poem does not want this to happen. I guess the poem has a little too much sarcasm and irony that the teacher took the poem seriously (the poem was peppered with a few petty jokes to make it interesting and unique compared to the others). Despite our numerous apologies, our efforts did not seem to get through with her. After all, the poem might have outraged her. Well, before the poem was read, we had numerous choices. We could keep the poem as it is (which we unfortunately did), censor a few parts here and there (but it will shorten the poem by a lot and render it very uninteresting) or we could simply dedicate to another teacher (preferably one who do not mind being the butt of a joke). A sense of guilt and worry looms as teacher's day approaches.Nicholas Kwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120024628309567484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12279479.post-1156493425829975742006-08-25T15:51:00.000+08:002006-08-27T14:51:38.653+08:00Goodbye Pluto<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/911/754/1600/Pluto.0.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 61px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 60px" height="60" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/911/754/320/Pluto.0.jpg" width="140" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Its been a blow that the famous pluto, will be demoted to a 'dwarf planet' from the solar system. As of now, the solar system <strong>will</strong> have 8 planets. What does this mean? Well, billions of (science) books will have to be reprinted... $$$.<br /><br />Reason for change:<br />There are 2 more planets (Ceres, 2003 UB [Official name not comfirmed]) that were about to be included that managed to fit the previous definition. However, there are probably 100s more of such planets which... could flood your nice little map of the solar system.<br />Hence, the definition was redefined.<br /><br />More...:<br />Ceres was once a planet before being demoted to an asteriod. It is now a dwarf planet.<br />Pluto was a planet for over 70 years.<br /><br />Conclusion:<br />Science changes rapidly with time.<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_redefinition_of_planet">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_redefinition_of_planet</a><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_system">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_system</a>Nicholas Kwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120024628309567484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12279479.post-1154951461416850002006-08-07T19:44:00.000+08:002006-08-07T19:51:01.426+08:00ND CelebrationIt is anticipated that this year's celebration would involve a bigger bang (not to mention the fireworks) Obviouslt eeveryone would be looking forward to the (spectacular?) event. Waiting is obviously the greatest choice.Nicholas Kwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120024628309567484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12279479.post-1152535531581912772006-07-10T20:42:00.000+08:002006-07-10T20:48:05.493+08:00New ThemeA new theme (glass) have been added recently. <br />TODO:<br />A fix will be issued to address areas that are difficult to read.<br />FIXED:<br />The menu has been adjusted to allow for skinning.Nicholas Kwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120024628309567484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12279479.post-1146191890541037382006-04-28T10:10:00.000+08:002006-05-15T10:58:56.363+08:00Election '06<img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/911/754/320/election06.gif" border="0" height="60" width="120" />The election which is due on the 6<sup>th</sup> of May, might be one of the more interesting events which have occured in Singapore. There is quite a handful of contesting parties, and each one of them did their best to win the population's vote. Although PAP has been the leading party since the 1950s, this election still poses a challenge to them.<br /><br />Like all elections, there is always something to say about it. This year, the PAP would have many new faces. This is due to the fact that most of the more experienced (senior) members of the group have either left the party, or retired due to age. This might actually handicap the PAP as PAP would have lost quite a bit of power due to the changes.<br /><br />Nevertheless, it would appear that PAP would be more advantaged compared to the other contesting parties. Firstly, it is considered more popular and well known to the population. Second, the PAP would have probably influence the public during its reign. Thirdly, PAP has majority of the seats. Last but not least, the PAP would have more experience in governing Singapore compared to the other parties.<br /><br />The population's vote will determine the events that will happen in the future. Personally, I feel that PAP would be more suited to the job as when PAP is elected, there would not be to many critical changes to the key areas of the country such as the parliament. However, if another party were to be elected, there would be changes in the government. Such changes which may have been thought to help may not be so. Also, if the government were to changed powers, there will be confusion amongst Singaporeans. Though other countries can afford to have the constant switching of powers, Singapore cannot afford to as it has limited resources.<br /><br />More Info:<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/15th_Singapore_general_election">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/15th_Singapore_general_election</a>Nicholas Kwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120024628309567484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12279479.post-1144895177672584292006-04-13T10:23:00.000+08:002006-04-13T10:26:17.683+08:00New Blog!Hi... I managed to make a flash version of a blog... <br />http://kcapacity.awardspace.com/blog.swf.<br />It is still buggy & I have not transfered all my posts.Nicholas Kwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120024628309567484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12279479.post-1136346999477308242006-01-04T11:47:00.000+08:002006-01-05T20:39:47.076+08:00Bird FluBird Flu otherwise known as the H5N1 Avian Flu virus, has caused panic across the globe. Its recent epidemic led many people to change their concept to that Bird Flu is no harmless thing. There are many strains of Bird Flu, the most harmful being the H5N1 virus, the mutated form of Bird Flu. Due to the constant mutation of the Bird Flu virus, the government and several health organizations such as the WHO (World Health Organization) are urging the public to take precaution.<br /><br />One of the precaution measure taken by the public is to vaccinate oneself. This in my opinion is probably the easiest and the cheapest way to protect yourself. The vaccine could be even an ordinary flu vaccine.<br /><br />Another way to safeguard against this virus is to stock your medical supply. Some of the antiviral drugs which might want to have in stock are the <a href="http://www.webgosearch.com/bird-flu/articles/How-To-Protect-You-And-Your-Family-From-The-Bird-Flu-Virus.php">Tamiflu drug and the Relenza drug</a>. Flu medication may also help.<br /><br />I advise purchasing Tamiflu over Relenza as Tamiflu is easier to use, compared to Relenza. This is due to the fact that Tamiflu is taken as a tablet through the mouth, just like any other pill, while Relenza requires inhaling of the substance (using an additional equipment known as the 'diskhaler') , which most of us is not used to. Furthermore, Relenza is not really tested to be effective against the Bird Flu.<br /><br />It is also advisable that you keep your body fit and healthy, as this will help increase your immunity, making your body more resistant against the virus. This does not only give you protection against Bird Flu, it could protect you from other diseases too!<br /><br />Protection against the virus can also be gained by wearing a surgical mask. However, I feel that this precaution is a little <a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/premature">premature</a>.<br /><br />Also, knowledge of the virus and the situation could be very useful, as it will give you information on the current trend of the situation, should the virus undergo any changes.<br /><br />Be aware that the Bird Flu virus can mutate, thus causing certain antiviral drugs to be ineffective against it.<br /><br />Links:<br /><a href="http://www.webgosearch.com/bird-flu/articles/How-To-Protect-You-And-Your-Family-From-The-Bird-Flu-Virus.php">How to Protect You and Your Family </a><br /><a href="http://www.webgosearch.com/bird-flu/articles/The-Best-Way-To-Avoid-The-Dangers-Of-Bird-Flu-Avian.php">The Best Way to Avoid the Dangers of Bird Flu</a><br /><a href="http://www.webgosearch.com/bird-flu/articles/Bird-Flu-Should-I-Be-Worried.php">Should I Be Worried? </a><br /><a href="http://www.doh.gov.ph/bird_flu.htm">FAQ on Bird Flu</a><br /><br />Facts and myths on the Bird Flu virus:<br />Myth: You can get the virus from eating infected poultry.<br />Fact: Not really. It is safe to eat poultry provided that it has been cooked properly. This is because the virus can be easily killed by heat.<br /><br />Myth: All kinds of Bird Flu are dangerous.<br />Fact: Most Bird Flu viruses do not infect humans<br /><br />Myth: A person with Bird Flu can spread the disease to others.<br />Fact: So far there are only cases of bird-to-human infections.<br /><br />Fact: 60 people have been killed by Bird Flu from 2003 to 2005, meaning that 1 to 2 people die from Bird Flu every month.Nicholas Kwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120024628309567484noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12279479.post-1119417256671313362005-06-22T13:09:00.000+08:002005-06-24T14:14:23.146+08:00Beijing TripThere isn't much to say though, as not many have such entries in their blog. (Too bad I could not go to China)<br /><too><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">p.s. during this month, many computers break down, thus resulting in people being unable to update their blogs.</span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Entry #1: [</strong><a href="http://ironbelly.blogspot.com"><strong>Zu Hilmi</strong></a><strong>]</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Entry #2: [<a href="http://snowychick.blogspot.com/">Aik kun</a>]</span></strong><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Entry #3: [<a href="http://shiningwindy.blogspot.com/">Shi Ning</a>]</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;">Hmm... What have they learnt, well... I don't know, really</span><span style="color:#333333;">. At least I know that they went to Changi Airport ---> Beijing Airport ---> Tian An Men Square ---> The great wall of China ---> Mao Zhe Dong 's preserved body ---> a high school ---> yurong school (something like a primary school) ---> Beijing Airport ---> Home. </span><br /><span style="color:#333333;">I think they have learnt about the culture and the history behind places such as the Tian An Men Square, and the Great Wall of China. They may also learn how to appreciate Chinese food. They may have probably learnt what is the pros and cons of going to China, such as the low price of China goods, and the difficulty of finding halal food in China. There is nothing much I see that they have really learnt something. </span><span style="color:#000000;">I could tell that they enjoyed their stay in China and still wish to go there again...</span><br /><br /><p>Those Who Did Not Go To China:</p><p><strong>Entry #1: [</strong><a href="http://purple-happiness.blogspot.com/"><strong>Zi Qi</strong></a><strong>]</strong></p><p><strong>Now for the places they have went to:</strong></p><p>Changi Airport<br /><span style="color:#000066;"><span style="color:#663366;">Info: Our international airport in Singapore.</span><br /></span></p><p>Beijing Airport<br /><span style="color:#663366;">Info: The international airport in Beijing, China.</span><br /></p><p>Tian An Men Square<br /><span style="color:#663366;">Info: It is a large plaza. A fight actually occured here and many died. No pictures is allowed to be taken inside. Pity...<br /></span></p><p>Ming Tombs<br /><span style="color:#663366;">Info: It is a large area. In fact, a palace was buried here. The emperor was buried here too. The emperor's concubine was buried alive here too.<br /></span></p><p>Tea making ceremony<br /><span style="color:#663366;">Info: The group was served 5 different types of tea, without sugar. How healthy:)</span><br /></p><p>The great wall<br /><span style="color:#663366;">Info: It is tiring to climb up these walls. Well, at least it is one of those modern wonders on the world.<br /></span></p><p>Mao Zhe Tong's body<br /><span style="color:#663366;">Info: His body is really preserved. Too bad you could only see it at a distance.<br /></span></p><p>Wax museum<br /><span style="color:#663366;">Info: Unknown<br /></span></p><p>The Muslim Mosque<br /><span style="color:#663366;">Info: Some Chinese Muslims pray here. This mosque is unique in that it looks a bit like a Chinese temple.<br /></span></p><p>Ai Hua Hotel<br /><span style="color:#663366;">Info: The hotel which the group stayed in.<br /></span></p><p>Yurong School<br /><span style="color:#663366;">Info: A school.</span> <span style="color:#663366;">The group did a dance that represents Singapore.</span></p><p>High school<br /><span style="color:#663366;">Info: A high school</span><br /></p><p>Shops<br /><span style="color:#663366;">Info: The goods in China are more cheaper compared to elsewhere.</span> </p>Nicholas Kwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120024628309567484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12279479.post-1116504994239863552005-05-19T20:13:00.000+08:002005-05-19T20:16:34.240+08:00PS3 EventOooo... I am so enticed by its striking structure. Too bad I am still staying with buying a psp.... But really, I was wondering what it will look like, and now and knew what it looks like...Nicholas Kwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120024628309567484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12279479.post-1113911303130368632005-04-19T19:15:00.000+08:002005-04-19T19:52:37.543+08:00EmailComments on the blog are allowed.<br /><form name="poster" action="mailto:nicholas_kwn@yahoo.com.sg?SUBJECT=" method="post" enctype="text/plain"><br /><br /><p><textarea name="S1" rows="5" cols="46"></textarea><br /></p><p><input type="submit" value="Submit" name="B1"></p><br /></form>Nicholas Kwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00120024628309567484noreply@blogger.com0