Thoughts of the Brilliant Fox

Just killing time

2008-07-07T00:31:00.000-07:00

Just tried something over the net. It gives a rather accurate reading of your personality depending on the order of colors we pick.

Here's my results!

At this time you are really feeling quite exhausted by all the conflict and quarrelling that is going on about you and you are looking for some sort of protection from this state of affairs. Ideally you are seeking a peaceful condition and a tranquil environment in which you can be afforded the chance to relax and recover.
You don't really give in. You follow your beliefs and ideals to the bitter end. You are the personification of stubbornness and whatever may transpire, right or wrong, you refuse to compromise or make concessions.
The situation at this time is one of considerable distress. You feel trapped and you are looking for some way out. You can find solace in the arms of someone who cares so long as there is no long-term emotional involvement.Recent disappointment has led you to become truly introverted. You are becoming suspicious of everybody and consequently you now feel that you are unable to trust anybody. Unfortunately it would appear that you are curbing your natural enthusiasm and imaginative nature - perhaps this is because you are fearful that you may become over enthused and find that you could possibly be carried away by wishful thinking. You are keeping your distance to see whether attitudes towards you are sincere - but this watchfulness could easily develop into suspicion and distrust.
In the past your trusting attitude has often been misunderstood and so you have needed to protect yourself against your tendency to be abused and taken advantage of. As a consequence you possibly adopt an aloof and critical attitude and you are only willing to let your guard down once sincerity and trustworthiness can be assured.
Do check the website out at http://www.goldinuniverse.com/

I've Passed !

2008-04-21T21:30:00.000-07:00

Took my Basic Theory Test today and I've passed upon the first attempt...

( well not considering the previous attempt i totally forgot )

I was so nervous when i stepped into the room to take my test, had not had one in ages! ( To all those people who are living in the well, just like myself ) it was all computerised and touch screen. The instant i sat down, i was looking for the mouse...yes i know very -_-''' yea.

By the way, the touch screen is damn insensitive ( I'm calling a machine insensitive...WTH!) Yeap, you got to tap it with your knuckles, at least that was what i did

Anyways, the test wasn't too tough, just a tad bit tricky for some. So to all the newbies out there, just read through the textbook would do.

( Don't try asking experienced drivers, because they almost never go by the book! )

And finally after spending 25 minutes in there ...

Ta-da! I passed! Woot! ( Forgive me, the picture is bit blurred )

Although basic theory doesn't seem like a big hoo-haa but to me ( someone who is hopeless in technical stuff ) it was something. So decided to treat myself to Remy Martin V.S.O.P Swiss Liquer Chocolates!

Pre Basic Theory Test & a little surprise for Priscilla

2008-04-20T23:59:00.000-07:00

The test is tomorrow and I've hardly studied for it. Lots of people tell me there isn't much a need to study for it as it's really easy but I beg to differ, there are many signs I never came across before...well due to the fact that I usually fall asleep during car rides. Nonetheless it would be terribly embarrassing if I were to fail it!

( Mr. Fox is mugging, do wish him luck! )

It's my Sis's 14th Birthday today and so happens both Dad and Mom are in Singapore. We ( along with my mascot, Mr Fox ) headed down to Hanabi @ Odeon Towers for a Japanese Buffet.

( Let the feast begin ! )

( Their Potato salad is "oh so good" )

( Not to mention the smoked salmon salad too, their vinegar dressing is really appetizing )

( And after a cup of soft and silky chawanmushi... )

( Comes the fragrant Shitake Mushrooms... )

( And not forgetting juicy Sashimi )

We decided to ditch the tradition of always cutting the cake at home before/after having our dinner out. This time my sis is oblivious that I've actually brought the cake to the restaurant prior to their arrival. This is going to be a surprise for her.

( Dark Chocolate Cake from Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie )

( Happy Birthday to you Priscilla )

( It's so rare for everyone to be present )

( Mixed feeling of surprise and embarrassment as we sang her a birthday song...LOUDLY )

( Wishing for me to irritate her less in the future )

And not to forget a slice for my lil mascot =)

You know you're a nurse when..

2008-04-11T20:26:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since i last updated. Was pretty busy at work and almost always reaching home exhausted ( mentally ) Anyways, recently I’ve received an email from a friend who is currently taking her Nursing Degree over at Australia and thought I should share it. This is for all the Nurses out there, though it is not Nurses' Day yet. You know you're a nurse when…

1) the front of your scrubs reads 'Nurses... here to save your ass, not kiss it!'

2) You believe some patients are alive only because it's illegal to kill them.

3) You recognize that you can't cure Stupid Doctors

4) You own at least three pens with the names of prescription medications on them.

5) You believe there's a special place in HELL for the inventor of the Call Bell (damn they're annoying) .

6) You’ve been exposed to so many X-Rays that you consider it a form of birth control.

7) You’ve told a confused patient that your name is that of a coworker and to call if they need help.

8) Your bladder can expand to the size of a water tank.

9) You have seen more penises/vaginas than any prostitute/gigolo could dream of.

10) You believe that not all patients are annoying... some are unconscious.

11) Your family and friends refuse to watch medical sitcoms with you because you spend the whole time correcting everyone and pointing out upside down X-Rays.

12) You don't get excited about blood, unless it's your own.

13) Discussing gross stuff like faeces, urine, and vomitus over a gourmet meal is perfectly normal to you.

14) Your idea of a good time is a cardiac arrest at shift change.

15) You believe that unspeakable evils will befall anyone who utters the phrase 'Wow, it's really quiet, isn't it? (Advisory warning : It's really a taboo word in the ward, say at your own risk)

16) You have ever wanted to write a book entitled 'Suicide: getting it right the first time.'

Thanks Hui Ling and all the best in your studies =)

Evening Solace

2008-04-08T06:23:00.000-07:00

by Charlotte Bronte ( 1816 - 1855 )

The human heart has hidden treasures,
In secret kept, in silence sealed;--
The thoughts, the hopes, the dreams, the pleasures,
Whose charms were broken if revealed.
And days may pass in gay confusion,
And nights in rosy riot fly,
While, lost in Fame's or Wealth's illusion,
The memory of the Past may die.

But there are hours of lonely musing,
Such as in evening silence come,
When, soft as birds their pinions closing,
The heart's best feelings gather home.
Then in our souls there seems to languish
A tender grief that is not woe;
And thoughts that once wrung groans of anguish
Now cause but some mild tears to flow.

And feelings, once as strong as passions,
Float softly back--a faded dream;
Our own sharp griefs and wild sensations,
The tale of others' sufferings seem.
Oh! when the heart is freshly bleeding,
How longs it for that time to be,
When, through the mist of years receding,
Its woes but live in reverie!

And it can dwell on moonlight glimmer,
On evening shade and loneliness;
And, while the sky grows dim and dimmer,
Feel no untold and strange distress--
Only a deeper impulse given
By lonely hour and darkened room,
To solemn thoughts that soar to heaven
Seeking a life and world to come.

Junior College Students VS Polytechnic Students

2008-03-08T23:59:00.000-08:00

85% VS 15% chance to enter a LOCAL University. Sounds fair? Whatever happened to this community that prided itself on being a just and fair society. Shouldn't Polytechnic Students stand equal chance in getting into a University?

Are we Poly Students much inferior as compared to Junior College Students? Till date i have no idea what's the big commotion about the release of the A Levels Result. The press going to schools, reporters hopping from student to student, interviewing them on how they felt about their results and all that sobbing and crying, so much drama. Not that it is wrong, but what about the release of Polytechnic Students' results? Have it ever been featured before? It may sound very sour grapes-ish but aren't we all citizens of the same community?

Recently I had an interesting conversation with someone (lets name him B) who came from a JC. And so it goes like this.

Me: I just don't get why JC student have higher chances of going into a University as compared to a Polytechnic student, are we any lesser than a JC student? 85% to 15% is totally unfair.

B: But you've got to see it this way, a diploma holder could get a job whereas an A Level graduand can't. They have to go into a University to get a degree.

Me: So you are trying to say, Diploma holders would have to stop their climb up the education ladder and start working in the corporate world whereas the JC students could continue theirs because the A Levels is useless on it's own. I reckon the thought of Poly students wanting to pursue a Degree never crossed the minds of many. And why is that so? Is it because we are expected to start slogging once we graduate? I reckon the ratio should be fixed to 50% to 50%. It is fairer that way.

B: If the ratio is 50% to 50%, a lot of JC students won't be able to make it into University and rendering them jobless in the future.

Me: Totally not true, who says there are no jobs for A Levels? There are even jobs for secondary school dropouts! They are many jobs out there; it's only a matter if they want to take it up or not. And just because we've decided on what we want earlier than JC students shouldn't reduce our chance in entering a University to a mere 15%. Undeniably, they are stronger than us when it comes to theories, but shouldn’t we be given credits too for our experience in the respective field that we are in? Isn't it supposed to be a meritocratic society now? Well sucks to be them if they don’t score well and are not able to make it into a University. Go overseas or something, don't stay here and occupy the seats of those who more worthy of it.

B: ...(has nothing else to say)

--- End of Conversation ---

15% split evenly across 5 Polytechnics. So that would be 3% per Polytechnic. Now, let us consider the number of courses in each Polytechnic and then divide it with the number of students in each course. You do the math. That is how small a chance we have. And those in JC just have to score C, B, C or something along that line would get a place whereas even with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 or above won't necessarily secure us a place. Take this example, a student with a Diploma in Business Management, one who even went on attachment versus an A Levels student who just goes to school and study. Shouldn’t we stand at an advantage instead because we are already in this field as compared to our JC peers?

And they say Polytechnics are good, in the eyes of many we are still considered second in comparison to someone who is from a Junior College. Fair or not, in my opinion is definitely unfair no matter how they want to debate about JC students not being able to get a job with just an A Levels. It's a cruel world out there, if they aren't cut out for it, they just aren't cut out for it! Pick the best out of the lot and just move on for crying out loud!

Let's hear your opinion about it...

Mister Fox's Day Out

2008-03-01T23:59:00.000-08:00

Nothing much to post for the day, so i am just going to be random =)

Mister Fox on a Road Trip Mister Fox's at a Medical Check-up, checking his eye sight

using the Snellen's Chart.

Checking if all junk food has accumulated in his arteries

And pigging out at Glutton's Bay @ The Esplanade

Taking a stroll along the bay after dinner. Spotted quite a few pieces of light bend to form shapes of people playing various instruments. There were a saxaphone, violin and the one featured is the piano. Thought it looked the best amongst the rest, kind of gives off an ethereal sort of feeling doesn't it?

Lastly not to forget to dance the calories away after a heavy meal at Glutton's Bay
( I wasn't dancing by the way )

The Reunion

2008-02-27T11:59:00.000-08:00

It's been ages since i last met my two besties, Jieying and Huimin. Met them after work at City Hall for dinner and scrumptious desserts!

(It's been a while since the 3 of us last met)

(Picture a bit blurred due to cameraman's unsteady hands...dammit!)

For dinner we ate at The Soup Spoon

For some unknown reasons, every time i think of Soup Spoon, the scene of Oliver Twist comes into mind. "Please Sir, could i have some more?"

A hearty bread bowl of Mushroom soup.....wasn't as good as before but still decent enough

Next up was desserts at Ministry of Food ( i still think Azabu Sabo is better)

In the end we still succumbed to the sugar rush!Can't wait to dive into my desserts!

And of course not forgetting a hint narcissism before we call it a day

The Orgasmic Xiao Long Bao

2008-02-23T23:50:00.001-08:00

Was at Din Tai Fung today for dinner. SGD8++ for 10 or was it 12 pieces of Xiao Long Bao, quite a good deal. The Xiao Long Bao(s) were nice (still not even second best as compared to Hong Kong.)

Interesting, they even have a 6 steps guide on 'How to enjoy exquisite Din Tai Fung Xiao Long Bao' on the back of their chopstick cover.

Step 1

Pour vinegar into the small saucer with the ginger

Step 2

Gently lift on dumpling and dip it into the ginger vinegar

Step 3

Place it on a spoon

Step 4

Take a nibble on the dumpling skin and sip the juice

Step 5

Drizzle some vinegar and ginger slices on top of the dumpling

Step 6

Now enjoy it!

Some steps seems a bit redundant to us, perhaps it's more of a guide for the foreigners. Maybe they should do one that teaches them how to use a chopstick first before eating the Xiao Long Bao.

(Got a bit too excited while eating, look at the mess ! )

(Squirted all over the table)

(Who needs sex when you have Xiao Long Bao *hurhur*)

Love is in the air Valentine's Day Special

2008-02-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hello people, been missing in action for a while and now I am back to bring you a Valentine's Day Special! Every 14th February, across the globe, candies, hearts, flowers and love messages are exchanged between loved ones.

How did this day come about? I guess there isn't a definite answer but a little history lesson of Valentine's Day or rather a martyred Saint Valentine should put things into perspective.

As quoted from History.com
"According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure." Well at least this explains the "From your Valentine" expression.

Some claimed that Valentine's Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Saint Valentine's death or burial *how exactly did he die is not clear either*.

In some context, Valentine's Day was like a dating service back then, a day to get paired up with a partner for the year.
"According to legend, all the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn. The city's bachelors would then each choose a name out of the urn and become paired for the year with his chosen woman. These matches often ended in marriage". Interesting, it's just like a husband/wife "lottery" system.

Some see February as a month of Romance as it is the beginning of bird's mating season and some see it as cupid's busy day.

So to all you love birds out there, Happy Valentines Day! Do treasure your special someone and love him or her for who they are. A relationship is not to be maintained but to be nourished and allowed to grow.

As for the singles out there (like myself), fret not, yes love may be blind but I am sure love will find it's way to your doorstep...*hopefully...Oh please don't land up at some other people's doorstep before mine*

A Quote to everyone,

"... love is rare indeed - for to be a lover will require that you continually have the subtlety of the very wise, the flexibility of the child, the sensitivity of the artist, the understanding of the philosopher, the acceptance of the saint, the tolerance of the scholar and the fortitude of the certain."-- Leo Buscaglia

Here's a song dedicated to all,

Weddings

2008-01-26T19:01:00.000-08:00

"To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish 'till death do us part."

Been to a number of weddings in 07/08 and I have to say I enjoy attending wedding dinners. Besides just having a meal at an upper end hotel, or getting to check the guests out, the free flow of booze etc. Less the relatives asking the same questions each time they see you "oh, when would it be your turn?"

What I find most beautiful would be the couple entering the ballroom. It somehow feels like a happily ever after ending. Something we all yearn for. I guess through the many ceremonies I attended (and I hope all of you share my sentiments) such happy occasion would rekindle the hope in us.

Hope is what keeps us going on, isn't it?

Instruction Manual

2008-01-25T19:37:00.000-08:00

Almost with everything bought esp. electrical appliances, mobile phones comes with a little booklet. Yes, it is the instruction manual or also known as the Owner's manual. Let's be honest with ourselves, often we are so fascinated by the gadgets we just got and chuck the lengthy pages of words away or even being oblivious of it's presence. We never want to consult the manual even if the need arises, we would rather pick up the phone to call your peers or the helpdesk when it is only a small matter and the solutions are all inside the booklet. The booklet is often used as a last ditch attempt to resolve the problem. Recently i received an email which clearly illustrate what i meant. Use the Owner's Manual before the gadget OWNS you.

Subject: FW: UPGRADE girlfriend to wife
Date: Wed, 7 Nov 2007 11:47:55 +0800

Dear Tech Support:

Last year I upgraded from Girlfriend 7.0 to Wife 1.0. I soon noticed that the new program began unexpected child processing that took up a lot of space and valuable resources.

In addition, Wife 1.0 installed itself into all other programs and now monitors all other system activity. Applications such as Poker Night 10.3 , Football 5.0 , Hunting and Fishing 7.5 , and Racing 3.6.

I can't seem to keep Wife 1.0 in the background while attempting to run my favorite applications.

I'm thinking about going back to Girlfriend 7.0 , but the uninstall doesn't work on
Wife 1.0 . Please help!

Thanks,Troubled User….

____________________________________________________

Dear Troubled User:

This is a very common problem that men complain about.

Many people upgrade from Girlfriend 7.0 to Wife 1.0, thinking that it is just a Utilities and Entertainment program. Wife 1.0 is an OPERATING SYSTEM and is designed by its Creator to run EVERYTHING !!!

It is also impossible to delete Wife 1.0 and to return to Girlfriend 7.0 . It is impossible to uninstall, or purge the program files from the system once installed.
You cannot go back to Girlfriend 7.0 because Wife 1.0 is designed to not allow this. Look in your Wife 1.0 manual under Warnings-Alimony/Child Support .
I recommend that you keep Wife 1.0 and work on improving the situation. I suggest installing the background application "Yes Dear" to alleviate software augmentation.

The best course of action is to enter the command C:\APOLOGIZE! because ultimately you will have to give the APOLOGIZE command before the system will return to normal anyway.

Wife 1.0 is a great program, but it tends to be very high maintenance. Wife 1.0 comes with several support programs, such as Clean and Sweep 3.0 , Cook It 1.5 ! and Do Bills 4.2.

However, be very careful how you use these programs. Improper use will cause the system to launch the program Nag Nag 9.5. Once this happens, the only way to improve the performance of Wife 1.0 is to purchase additional software. I recommend Flowers 2.1 and Diamonds 5.0!

WARNING!!! DO NOT, under any circumstances, install Secretary With Short Skirt 3.3. This application is not supported by Wife 1.0 and will cause irreversible damage to the operating system!

Best of luck, Tech Support

So ladies, this would be one of the many loopholes that you could exploit on and to the gentlemen, always read through the manual and warnings/advisory before making the final purchase.

Office turned War Zone

2008-01-23T07:46:00.001-08:00

I have never worked in an office setting till recently when i am posted into my new unit. I embraced the idea of getting to go home daily and deal with computer and paperwork instead of fighting a war but man i was so wrong. Turns out an office setting could actually be worse than being in a battlefield. The little minions (inclusive of myself) would either fill the role of the Assailants or the Victims and the Regulars would be known as the Weapons. Take a look below and see who fits the descriptions.

The Weapons

1. The Nuclear Bomb - a type of explosive weapon that yields destructive force. Capable to bring about mass destruction.

Advisory : Do NOT attempt to use, as you will probably wipe everyone out inclusive of yourself. It is SUICIDAL ! Period.

2. The Plasma Cannon - a heavy weapon that relies on plasma technology to deliver lethal energy balls. It employs a magnetic field to accelerate a ball of ionized gas towards a target mortally wounding the target.

Advisory : A clear disadvantage of the plasma cannon would be its weight and the cost, so far i have encountered none who was willing to pay the price and shoulder such burden. Good luck attempting to do so.

3. The Flamethrower - a mechanical device designed to project a long controllable stream of fire. The flamethrower is a potent weapon with great psychological impact upon unprepared victims, ideal for inflicting a particularly horrific death i.e. being burnt alive.

Advisory : Despite it being such a potent weapon, like the plasma cannon, it is a heavy weapon too, one must be prepared to "carry" the "cylinders" before being able to use the weapon. One must too check the situation esp. direction of the wind before firing as there are always chances of a backfire.

4. The Homing Missile - Once the seeker recognizes and locked on to it's target. The target would hardly stand any chance in escaping or throwing a decoy to fool the missiles.

Advisory - Best when fired in volleys for TOTAL ANNIHILATION.

5. The Sniper Rifle - any type of rifle fitted with a telescopic sight that is employed against human targets. Able to mortally wound targets at long range, achieving a "one shot, one kill" while remaining concealed. Excellent for finishing off others without them knowing what actually hit them while the rest would live in constant crippling fear.

Advisory : Concealment must be maxed out before attempting to use this weapon as you may be identified if it is not done well. Not good against those who are really good at creating smokescreen.

6. The M-16 Rifle - a very basic weapon that comes attached with a pretty useless bayonet for close range combat (due the known fact that once the rounds are all expended your bayonet could hardly do a thing) Despite its cons, it still possess some good points, it is almost always available, its light and it has killing potential and the rounds are not heavy as compared to the rest of the weapons.

Advisory : As we all know, the M-16 is very prone to IA (military term = weapon getting jammed) in times of need and a very very low possibility of a chamber explosion. So regular maintenance would prevent you from landing in such situations.

I hope the list above would help you in either selecting or protecting yourself against it. As mentioned by a Greek Playwright, Euripides "The tongue is mightier than the blade." Do pick your "weapons" wisely.