13 days after the feeding tube was removed, she died. †††
Thursday, March 31, 2005
creative writing
Hope the poor teacher did not vomit blood! These essays are so bad its hilarious haha
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
don't worry be happy
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap)
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap)
If you're happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands. (clap clap)
A fren send me the lyrics out of the blue as i was moaning about how shitty my job is. It looks a bit kiddy at first, but as i listen it sounds suprisingly catchy and lifting keke. Going to set it as my ringtone so i will stay happy throughout the day =p
If you're happy and...
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap)
If you're happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands. (clap clap)
A fren send me the lyrics out of the blue as i was moaning about how shitty my job is. It looks a bit kiddy at first, but as i listen it sounds suprisingly catchy and lifting keke. Going to set it as my ringtone so i will stay happy throughout the day =p
If you're happy and...
Monday, March 28, 2005
Terri Schiavo
Having insomnia, so here is my take after reading the reports.
She has been in a vegetative state since 1990 after suffering brain damage, and is being kept alive by a feeding tube. Recently a court agreed with the hubby that she will not want to live such a life, and so ordered the feeding tube be removed.
This could have been a quiet affair, but it got blown up in the media as conservative christians gave support to the parents who fought the ruling.
Her parents made several unsuccessful appeals for the tube to be re-inserted and now Terri has been without nourishment for more than 8 days. Her parents are watching her waste away day by day.
I find the gloating by the media disturbing as they blast the conservatives for politicking and hail the judge for taking a brave stand. This is not a case of taking a terminally ill patient off a respirator. Like us, she only needs food and water to survive. The judge gave the order to remove the feeding tube, she is starving to death and there are people applauding the decision. Now i agree with the hubby that she should be allowed a dignified death, just that i am uncomfortable with the way it is happening. What a mess this whole affair is, as she is dying from starvation and dehydration, one side is claiming she looks peaceful and the other says she is wasting away.
I think in these cases if the expertise of Dr Kevorkian is called on there will be a better closure. I mean even your typical household pets in terminal condition are allowed a swift and merciful end by lethal dosage. May it be that the doctors who diagnosed Terri to be brain dead is correct , as she slowly fades away.
What do you feel about this case?
She has been in a vegetative state since 1990 after suffering brain damage, and is being kept alive by a feeding tube. Recently a court agreed with the hubby that she will not want to live such a life, and so ordered the feeding tube be removed.
This could have been a quiet affair, but it got blown up in the media as conservative christians gave support to the parents who fought the ruling.
Her parents made several unsuccessful appeals for the tube to be re-inserted and now Terri has been without nourishment for more than 8 days. Her parents are watching her waste away day by day.
I find the gloating by the media disturbing as they blast the conservatives for politicking and hail the judge for taking a brave stand. This is not a case of taking a terminally ill patient off a respirator. Like us, she only needs food and water to survive. The judge gave the order to remove the feeding tube, she is starving to death and there are people applauding the decision. Now i agree with the hubby that she should be allowed a dignified death, just that i am uncomfortable with the way it is happening. What a mess this whole affair is, as she is dying from starvation and dehydration, one side is claiming she looks peaceful and the other says she is wasting away.
I think in these cases if the expertise of Dr Kevorkian is called on there will be a better closure. I mean even your typical household pets in terminal condition are allowed a swift and merciful end by lethal dosage. May it be that the doctors who diagnosed Terri to be brain dead is correct , as she slowly fades away.
What do you feel about this case?
Sunday, March 27, 2005
run forrest run
Two species of octopus were filmed walking on 2 legs across the sea bed. Pretty amazing stuff! Next up at your favorite sushi outlet - baby octopus walking to your plate.
video 1
video 2
New Scientist
video 1
video 2
New Scientist
Saturday, March 26, 2005
life in the corporate jungle
A few months ago I went for a procedure at a clinic. There i got to know W who were undergoing the same procedure and over a few days we build up a rapport. She told me a candid tale of her life in the civil service.
Her workplace is very a competitive one. Everyone is involved in many projects as people tries to push ahead, and she is working long hours. Stress soon takes hold. At home, she feels tired, don't feel like talking to the hubby, marriage suffers, her hair is dropping, and her cycle is disrupted. At work, there is no peer support. When passed over for promotion, she went on long childcare leave. She did not regret putting her career on hold as during the break she realizes that family and health is really more valuable than a promotion. And now she is returning to the service energised and with a more relax spirit.
Her story has a familiar feel as i have seen similar victims at moe, but i did not press her on her occupation. The reason she is relating to the story to me is because i am not her co-worker, someone who is not likely to enter her field. Never get too friendly with co-workers because you never know when the secrets you reveal will be leaked and used against you, esp during ranking and promo selection. Work with them, but after work its' separate ways.
I kinda agree with her. In my short working life, i have seen too many people squabbling over seemingly stupid things just to defend their turf. Friendly and bubbly upfront, but knives out when the backs are turned. I see plenty of such people now, which is sad as at my previous workplace i was fortunate to work with some wonderful people that livens up my day.
Good luck to W, hope she is coping well.
Her workplace is very a competitive one. Everyone is involved in many projects as people tries to push ahead, and she is working long hours. Stress soon takes hold. At home, she feels tired, don't feel like talking to the hubby, marriage suffers, her hair is dropping, and her cycle is disrupted. At work, there is no peer support. When passed over for promotion, she went on long childcare leave. She did not regret putting her career on hold as during the break she realizes that family and health is really more valuable than a promotion. And now she is returning to the service energised and with a more relax spirit.
Her story has a familiar feel as i have seen similar victims at moe, but i did not press her on her occupation. The reason she is relating to the story to me is because i am not her co-worker, someone who is not likely to enter her field. Never get too friendly with co-workers because you never know when the secrets you reveal will be leaked and used against you, esp during ranking and promo selection. Work with them, but after work its' separate ways.
I kinda agree with her. In my short working life, i have seen too many people squabbling over seemingly stupid things just to defend their turf. Friendly and bubbly upfront, but knives out when the backs are turned. I see plenty of such people now, which is sad as at my previous workplace i was fortunate to work with some wonderful people that livens up my day.
Good luck to W, hope she is coping well.
outing 2
2nd complaining session featuring A & K & me. Sadly J couldn't join us. A surprise, we saw our recently promoted admin workhorse B. Exchanged pleasantries and she moved on to join her frens at the opposite restaurant.
This outing took place at a time as i was feeling down over work.
Sometimes i feel like i am in a dark tunnel, feeling my way and stumbling forward. With no glimmer of light in front. the sides are filled with demons wearing a kind mask, blocking my path, taking my money, asking me for help, tying me down when all i want is to be left alone to continue my search for a way out of this seemingly neverending tunnel.
Listening to Mozart's Requiem now. To see my enemies struck down one by one at Judgement, to the words of Dies Irae. nice picture~
Dies Iræ! dies illa
Solvet sæclum in favilla
Teste David cum Sibylla!
Ok enough and back to the outing. Happy news, A's presentation was a success, K and (wow!) Mrs k got promoted. She is a recipient of my rare award for being a outstanding human being and i think she thoroughly deserves the promotion. Me, got my licence =p.
We talked about our dreams and the demons that lies underneath the happy demeanor. And oh, we learn that K is trained in taekwondo(!)
In life, we don't always get what we want. But there are many bright spots, family, loved ones, and gd frens like them as we build towards our dream. I hope memories of the good stays with me when i am down, i tend to drown myself in self-pity and forget the good things.
And so our journey continues.
This outing took place at a time as i was feeling down over work.
Sometimes i feel like i am in a dark tunnel, feeling my way and stumbling forward. With no glimmer of light in front. the sides are filled with demons wearing a kind mask, blocking my path, taking my money, asking me for help, tying me down when all i want is to be left alone to continue my search for a way out of this seemingly neverending tunnel.
Listening to Mozart's Requiem now. To see my enemies struck down one by one at Judgement, to the words of Dies Irae. nice picture~
Dies Iræ! dies illa
Solvet sæclum in favilla
Teste David cum Sibylla!
Ok enough and back to the outing. Happy news, A's presentation was a success, K and (wow!) Mrs k got promoted. She is a recipient of my rare award for being a outstanding human being and i think she thoroughly deserves the promotion. Me, got my licence =p.
We talked about our dreams and the demons that lies underneath the happy demeanor. And oh, we learn that K is trained in taekwondo(!)
In life, we don't always get what we want. But there are many bright spots, family, loved ones, and gd frens like them as we build towards our dream. I hope memories of the good stays with me when i am down, i tend to drown myself in self-pity and forget the good things.
And so our journey continues.
Friday, March 25, 2005
Thursday, March 24, 2005
jaywalking
One of the more interesting sight I seen recently is a middle aged paraplegic on a wheelchair, frantically wheeling across the red light at a busy road during lunch time CBD traffic.
No one else was hardy enough to follow him. After crossing the road, he turned around and urge his able-bodied friend to hurry across too. I am just glad the wheels did not get caught up on pebbles or something.
No one else was hardy enough to follow him. After crossing the road, he turned around and urge his able-bodied friend to hurry across too. I am just glad the wheels did not get caught up on pebbles or something.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
An analogy
One day, Plato asked his teacher, "What is love? How can I find it?"
His teacher answered, "There is a vast wheat field in front. Walk forward without turning back, and pick only one stalk. If you find the most magnificent stalk, then you have found love." Plato walked forward and before long, he returned with empty hands, having picked nothing.
His teacher asked, "Why did you not pick any stalk?"
Plato answered, "Because I could only pick once, and yet I could not turn back. I did find the most magnificent stalk, but did not know if there were any better ones ahead, so I did not pick it. As I walked further, the stalks that I saw were not as good as the earlier one, so I did not pick any in the end.
His teacher then said, "And that is love."
On another day, Plato asked his teacher, "What is marriage? How can I Find it?"
His teacher answered, "There is a thriving forest in front. Walk forward without turning back, and chop down only one tree. If you find the tallest tree, then you have found marriage". Plato walked forward and before long, he returned with a tree.
The tree was not thriving, and it was not tall either. It was only an ordinary tree.
His teacher asked, "Why did you chop down such an ordinary tree?" Plato answered, Because of my previous experience. I had walked through the field, but returned with empty hands. This time, I saw this tree,and I felt that it was not bad, so I chopped it down and brought it back. I did not want to miss the opportunity."
His teacher then said, "And that is marriage. You see son, Love is the most beautiful thing to happen to a person, its an opportunity but you don't realise its worth when you have it but only when its gone, like the field of stalks. Marriage like the tree you chopped, it's a compromise."
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Microsoft LimitLogin 1.0
Microsoft is happy to announce the availability of LimitLogin v1.0, an application that adds the ability to limit concurrent interactive user logons in an Active Directory domain. It can also keep track of all logins information in Active Directory domains (without necessarily enforcing logons quotas).
http://bink.nu/files/limitlogonfaq.htm
http://www.neowin.net/comments.php?category=software&id=27474
http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/d/0/fd05def7-68a1-4f71-8546-25c359cc0842/limitlogin.exe
http://bink.nu/files/limitlogonfaq.htm
http://www.neowin.net/comments.php?category=software&id=27474
http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/d/0/fd05def7-68a1-4f71-8546-25c359cc0842/limitlogin.exe
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Lucky friday!
The day of my driving test. 3rd time lucky?
It started off badly. I had a pre-test refresher circuit training, and i was so nervous i forgot the technique for reverse parking. I reversed into the darn kerb twice and finally succeeded after some corrections by the instructor. Sadly that was my last chance to practise as the hour's session was almost up. Moving off from the parallel parking slot, i failed to notice a testee whom just overtook the stationary car behind me and my instructor had to pull the handbrake. My instructor told me as the testee failed to stop in time, he got an immediate failure. I hope his tester is lenient!
I drove a few rounds around the ubi area before reporting to the testee's room, which was already half full. Then a guy with a bandaged left leg on clutches stepped in, and the image of a bandaged leg attempting half clutch formed in my mind lol. Turns out the guy is having his theory here, probably because this room is on the ground floor and he can't climb to the theory test room on the 2nd floor.
A tester stepped in and briefed us on the test. The same guy who FAILED me on my second attempt. I felt the car vibrate during the crank course and he said "hit the kerb huh". I thought thats it i mounted the kerb and only when i review the score sheet later i learn the car only striked the kerb. Anyway his remark ruined my test as i thought i got an immediate failure and went thru the test in a daze. Well good luck to his next victim.
The room emptied as names were called, leaving the hobbled guy and me in the room. Finally my name was called and it's off to the car. I made a show of fidgeting with the rear mirror and checking the side mirrors for the benefit of the tester, and off we go.
I slipped a little at the slope and release the clutch too fast when approaching directional change station. Mr tester did not have seat belt on and he jerk forward. I hope he's not too pissed! Anyway i completed the station without incident, turning the wheel when I see the marking on the kerb. I wonder who made the markings, school or private instructors lol.
Moving on to the S course i saw the testee in front with front wheel up on the kerb. I completed both the S and crank course, AND the reverse parking station without incident. Whew! Time for the last station, parallel parking. Mr tester stepped out of the car to the side and look. I wonder is it compulsory for testers to do that, or is he expecting me to hit the kerb?
The car couldn't reverse into the lot as there was a gradual slope from the road. I release the clutch more and moved in. Then the car stalled with a shudder. Did i hit the kerb? Or was it the clutch? Took a deep breath, shift to neutral, restarted the engine and continue reversing. I felt no impact and parked into position. Now i dare to hope, it must be just a stalled engine. No comments from Mr tester so i took it as a good sign.
With the circuit completed, onto the road test. Hmm no e-brake test, not that i mind though. Changing lanes, safe braking distance, turning at junction, so far so good. Before filtering into the main road from a side road, I looked right and see a car approaching slowly a distance away. I checked my blind spot and move out. Then Mr tester turned on me saying, that car on the hazard lights to warn you but still you move out slowly. It has to change lane to evade you!
Returning to the test centre and walking up the stairs, I wonder if that last mistake was an immediate failure? Darn why can't that guy just slow down a little instead of speeding up and turning on the hazard lights! We walked to the de-brief room and again I was reprimanded on my failure to spot the accelerating car. I told him honestly i did not notice when did the hazard lights came on. He took out the test booklet and make a few ticks. Turned the last page with the Failed and Passed tickbox, and he tick Passed. YES!!!!! I thanked him and went for the road safety video viewing.
We were shown some fairly spectacular crash sequences captured on the highway surveillance cams. Pretty somber video really, I thought some of the clips should be shown on Crime watch to increase public awareness on road safety hazards.
After the video, I went to the TP counter and paid $50 for a piece of paper that will serve as a driving license, until the real thing is delivered to me. Paid $150 to the instructor for the training and car rental. I felt a little numb the rest of the day, probably from the adrenaline rush and also disbelief that finally i passed. No more rushing for lessons after work. and i can get some toys for myself with the money that would normally go to fees :)
I got 16 points, 8 for that filtering incident and the rest some minor mistakes. Looking back i feel during tests luck plays a bigger role than driving skills. The weather, traffic conditions and the goodwill of fellow commuters. Compared to the previous 2, this tester gave in advance clear and concise instructions on the next move. He was very helpful in clearing traffic for me to advance in the circuit.
Well thats 3rd time lucky i guess!
It started off badly. I had a pre-test refresher circuit training, and i was so nervous i forgot the technique for reverse parking. I reversed into the darn kerb twice and finally succeeded after some corrections by the instructor. Sadly that was my last chance to practise as the hour's session was almost up. Moving off from the parallel parking slot, i failed to notice a testee whom just overtook the stationary car behind me and my instructor had to pull the handbrake. My instructor told me as the testee failed to stop in time, he got an immediate failure. I hope his tester is lenient!
I drove a few rounds around the ubi area before reporting to the testee's room, which was already half full. Then a guy with a bandaged left leg on clutches stepped in, and the image of a bandaged leg attempting half clutch formed in my mind lol. Turns out the guy is having his theory here, probably because this room is on the ground floor and he can't climb to the theory test room on the 2nd floor.
A tester stepped in and briefed us on the test. The same guy who FAILED me on my second attempt. I felt the car vibrate during the crank course and he said "hit the kerb huh". I thought thats it i mounted the kerb and only when i review the score sheet later i learn the car only striked the kerb. Anyway his remark ruined my test as i thought i got an immediate failure and went thru the test in a daze. Well good luck to his next victim.
The room emptied as names were called, leaving the hobbled guy and me in the room. Finally my name was called and it's off to the car. I made a show of fidgeting with the rear mirror and checking the side mirrors for the benefit of the tester, and off we go.
I slipped a little at the slope and release the clutch too fast when approaching directional change station. Mr tester did not have seat belt on and he jerk forward. I hope he's not too pissed! Anyway i completed the station without incident, turning the wheel when I see the marking on the kerb. I wonder who made the markings, school or private instructors lol.
Moving on to the S course i saw the testee in front with front wheel up on the kerb. I completed both the S and crank course, AND the reverse parking station without incident. Whew! Time for the last station, parallel parking. Mr tester stepped out of the car to the side and look. I wonder is it compulsory for testers to do that, or is he expecting me to hit the kerb?
The car couldn't reverse into the lot as there was a gradual slope from the road. I release the clutch more and moved in. Then the car stalled with a shudder. Did i hit the kerb? Or was it the clutch? Took a deep breath, shift to neutral, restarted the engine and continue reversing. I felt no impact and parked into position. Now i dare to hope, it must be just a stalled engine. No comments from Mr tester so i took it as a good sign.
With the circuit completed, onto the road test. Hmm no e-brake test, not that i mind though. Changing lanes, safe braking distance, turning at junction, so far so good. Before filtering into the main road from a side road, I looked right and see a car approaching slowly a distance away. I checked my blind spot and move out. Then Mr tester turned on me saying, that car on the hazard lights to warn you but still you move out slowly. It has to change lane to evade you!
Returning to the test centre and walking up the stairs, I wonder if that last mistake was an immediate failure? Darn why can't that guy just slow down a little instead of speeding up and turning on the hazard lights! We walked to the de-brief room and again I was reprimanded on my failure to spot the accelerating car. I told him honestly i did not notice when did the hazard lights came on. He took out the test booklet and make a few ticks. Turned the last page with the Failed and Passed tickbox, and he tick Passed. YES!!!!! I thanked him and went for the road safety video viewing.
We were shown some fairly spectacular crash sequences captured on the highway surveillance cams. Pretty somber video really, I thought some of the clips should be shown on Crime watch to increase public awareness on road safety hazards.
After the video, I went to the TP counter and paid $50 for a piece of paper that will serve as a driving license, until the real thing is delivered to me. Paid $150 to the instructor for the training and car rental. I felt a little numb the rest of the day, probably from the adrenaline rush and also disbelief that finally i passed. No more rushing for lessons after work. and i can get some toys for myself with the money that would normally go to fees :)
I got 16 points, 8 for that filtering incident and the rest some minor mistakes. Looking back i feel during tests luck plays a bigger role than driving skills. The weather, traffic conditions and the goodwill of fellow commuters. Compared to the previous 2, this tester gave in advance clear and concise instructions on the next move. He was very helpful in clearing traffic for me to advance in the circuit.
Well thats 3rd time lucky i guess!
Friday, March 18, 2005
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
professional sharing
A fren prepared a mini "lesson plan" for me, hehe.
be natural, be brave, no pain no gain!
=p
be natural, be brave, no pain no gain!
=p
Monday, March 14, 2005
Dilbert on blackberry
http://dilbert.com/comics/dilbert/archive/images/dilbert2005915440210.gif
http://dilbert.com/comics/dilbert/archive/images/dilbert2005073235211.gif
http://dilbert.com/comics/dilbert/archive/images/dilbert2005026102912.gif
I don't get it. Blackberry and home VPN access to corporate mail. 12 hours at work and at home and they fire up the VPN client for mail. My inbox is filled with FYIs and FWD:..... and projects that I am not involved in but the sender deemed it necessary to put everone in the CC list. IF people can think before they click send - Is this improving the bottom line of the company? Do people benefit from this?
Do blackberry users for check for new mail every 5 mins ?
http://dilbert.com/comics/dilbert/archive/images/dilbert2005073235211.gif
http://dilbert.com/comics/dilbert/archive/images/dilbert2005026102912.gif
I don't get it. Blackberry and home VPN access to corporate mail. 12 hours at work and at home and they fire up the VPN client for mail. My inbox is filled with FYIs and FWD:..... and projects that I am not involved in but the sender deemed it necessary to put everone in the CC list. IF people can think before they click send - Is this improving the bottom line of the company? Do people benefit from this?
Do blackberry users for check for new mail every 5 mins ?
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