I remember the advice my JC principal used to give during assembly on study technique - she would urge us to understand the material and not try to cram the material wholesale and regurgitate it during the exams. Well, I'm now finding myself doing exactly what she advised against - frantically copying my notes by the topics in the hope that some of it gets retained.
Less than a week to the exams, and i'm tossing the learning habit that has brought me to cambridge out the window - waiting for the lightbulb to illuminate understanding to a topic, the apple to fall on the head, simply aint happening fast enough to keep pace with what i've gotta know...
Just realised how badly I lack knowing the content, and frantically trying to make up for that.
Ahhh!!!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
pebble bed nuclear reactor
just came from a research seminar on the future of nuclear power, took back this interesting development - a pebble bed nuclear reactor...
basically uranium enclosed in a shell to keep the hazardous by-products inside.
basically uranium enclosed in a shell to keep the hazardous by-products inside.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Saturday, May 12, 2007
An interesting paper
Hey HCH, check this paper out...
The Ghost in the Browser - Analysis of Web-based Malware
Written by guys at google researching malicious websites.
=)
The Ghost in the Browser - Analysis of Web-based Malware
Written by guys at google researching malicious websites.
=)
Thursday, May 10, 2007
A medical account
Just a log of what can happen from drinking too much milk... Writing it in response to Sam's post.
The incident happened last week, 5 May 07, incidentally exactly two years after my ORD'ing.
Was rather stuck with work last Saturday, felt kinda cooped up in my room because there was little happening - the usual Saturday frisbee session had been canceled from lack of response. Impulsively, I took myself on a jog.
Didnt take me long to find my legs quite dysfunctional.
Along the way, bumped into keng rui and yaofeng, a first year medic. They were also running. Yaofeng advised that drinking milk should help in the recovery of orthopedic problems, because of its calcium content.
Went to sains with Keng Rui subsequently, to get microwave dinner. Got myself 2 pints of milk too. Proceeded to keng rui's to make dinner, and in typical me fashion, from the after exercise thirst and hunger, and the desire to fix my leg, I finished the two pints of milk over the course of the dinner.
Back in my room, two hours later, I felt a churning in my stomach... Moments later, I was, putting it as euphemistically as possible, vomiting milk through the excretory opening at the end of the alimentary canal.
The call to nature felt particularly urgent when it happened, but it wasnt tormenting. In fact, it was a rather interesting experience :P
Eugene, a second year medic, explained the phenomena as the kidneys displacing the milk, instead of filtering it. Wonder if that is what happens to lactose intolerant people when they drink milk...
The incident happened last week, 5 May 07, incidentally exactly two years after my ORD'ing.
Was rather stuck with work last Saturday, felt kinda cooped up in my room because there was little happening - the usual Saturday frisbee session had been canceled from lack of response. Impulsively, I took myself on a jog.
Didnt take me long to find my legs quite dysfunctional.
Along the way, bumped into keng rui and yaofeng, a first year medic. They were also running. Yaofeng advised that drinking milk should help in the recovery of orthopedic problems, because of its calcium content.
Went to sains with Keng Rui subsequently, to get microwave dinner. Got myself 2 pints of milk too. Proceeded to keng rui's to make dinner, and in typical me fashion, from the after exercise thirst and hunger, and the desire to fix my leg, I finished the two pints of milk over the course of the dinner.
Back in my room, two hours later, I felt a churning in my stomach... Moments later, I was, putting it as euphemistically as possible, vomiting milk through the excretory opening at the end of the alimentary canal.
The call to nature felt particularly urgent when it happened, but it wasnt tormenting. In fact, it was a rather interesting experience :P
Eugene, a second year medic, explained the phenomena as the kidneys displacing the milk, instead of filtering it. Wonder if that is what happens to lactose intolerant people when they drink milk...
Monday, May 07, 2007
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Taking Stock
EXAMS!!!
Ok, 3 more weeks to the exam, and the fact is starting to hit me hard!
3 subjects - maths, physics, advance physics, and all i can say is that i think i'm only decently prepared for maths, and still need to do a lot more work for both physics. Still cant do quantum mechanics!!!
On a bright note, received my lab report last Friday at the "Head of Class Meeting", and the Head of Class was rather pleased with my work! A great contrast to the lab report I handed in last term.
Looking beyond the exams, summer and MIT plans did not work out, but that's good too. Means more time back home, and will be a comfortable year ahead.
Summer
- Looking for something worthwhile to do over summer. Eying two Astar research institutes - Data Storage Institute, and Institute of Micro Electronics, or perhaps a DSO internship. Could pop by the Quantum Computing Group at nus too! Will be borrowing the book "Structure Computer Organization" home over summer, and hoping to gain lots from it!
- Also thinking that I might like to teach, either at SAJC, or at NUS High School. Could also take up a few tuition students. But hope that I'd still be able to teach properly despite not having teaching as a day job.
- And think i'd attempt the GRE's this summer, in case I decide on graduate studies in the US after my third or fourth year.
- Just received an email from the Investment Club about an investment game. Thought it might be a good way to be introduced to the stuff of investment banking.
Wild Idea
Next year will be a lot more comfortable now that I wont be going to MIT. Should be much better prepared for the work I'd be facing. Thinking of how I might make more full use of my time next year, and a wild idea came to mind - Rowing!
Physiotherapist appointment last Tuesday diagnosed cartilage problems with my right knee and left ankle, attributed the problem to flat feet, and wear and tear of the joints, probably arising from prolonged marches with heavy loads. Tried running today, out of sheer lethargy, and found the legs still rather problematic.
I thought that with my legs in this state, rowing might be a good low impact sport to engage in. And what better way to experience the Cambridge tradition, plus enforce a disciplined routine and a healthy lifestyle than rowing?
Might try it in Michaelmas, and see how well my life wraps round it. If my whole routine collapses on me from the commitments, then I'd just cease it after the term.
Immediate Future
As of now, need to craft emails to the A-star Institutes, and beg them to give me an internship. Then it's off to mug, *wheeze*, mug ,*deep breath*, mug, *exhale*.
Ok, 3 more weeks to the exam, and the fact is starting to hit me hard!
3 subjects - maths, physics, advance physics, and all i can say is that i think i'm only decently prepared for maths, and still need to do a lot more work for both physics. Still cant do quantum mechanics!!!
On a bright note, received my lab report last Friday at the "Head of Class Meeting", and the Head of Class was rather pleased with my work! A great contrast to the lab report I handed in last term.
Looking beyond the exams, summer and MIT plans did not work out, but that's good too. Means more time back home, and will be a comfortable year ahead.
Summer
- Looking for something worthwhile to do over summer. Eying two Astar research institutes - Data Storage Institute, and Institute of Micro Electronics, or perhaps a DSO internship. Could pop by the Quantum Computing Group at nus too! Will be borrowing the book "Structure Computer Organization" home over summer, and hoping to gain lots from it!
- Also thinking that I might like to teach, either at SAJC, or at NUS High School. Could also take up a few tuition students. But hope that I'd still be able to teach properly despite not having teaching as a day job.
- And think i'd attempt the GRE's this summer, in case I decide on graduate studies in the US after my third or fourth year.
- Just received an email from the Investment Club about an investment game. Thought it might be a good way to be introduced to the stuff of investment banking.
Wild Idea
Next year will be a lot more comfortable now that I wont be going to MIT. Should be much better prepared for the work I'd be facing. Thinking of how I might make more full use of my time next year, and a wild idea came to mind - Rowing!
Physiotherapist appointment last Tuesday diagnosed cartilage problems with my right knee and left ankle, attributed the problem to flat feet, and wear and tear of the joints, probably arising from prolonged marches with heavy loads. Tried running today, out of sheer lethargy, and found the legs still rather problematic.
I thought that with my legs in this state, rowing might be a good low impact sport to engage in. And what better way to experience the Cambridge tradition, plus enforce a disciplined routine and a healthy lifestyle than rowing?
Might try it in Michaelmas, and see how well my life wraps round it. If my whole routine collapses on me from the commitments, then I'd just cease it after the term.
Immediate Future
As of now, need to craft emails to the A-star Institutes, and beg them to give me an internship. Then it's off to mug, *wheeze*, mug ,*deep breath*, mug, *exhale*.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Beyond Basics
I went nuts today, and got myself this:
1.7 kg of chocolate!
Laid out in it's full gory!
To last me through the exams and beyond!
1.7 kg of chocolate!
Laid out in it's full gory!To last me through the exams and beyond!
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Laptop Spring Cleaning continued
There's something wrong with Live Messenger, and it's rather annoying.
For some reason, after a while (in the order of days), there would be connection problems by the name "81000306".
Tried searching windows live account help to solve the problem, but the documentation's quite unsatisfactory.
Tried signing in on webmessanger, and it worked. Worked on the old windows messenger as well. So figured that the problem was the IM Client itself - Windows Live Messenger. Reinstalled it, and now it works. But I wonder how long this will last before giving more problems.
Thus, I'm now looking for alternative IM clients. Found Google talk, but havent found out that they support msn, and I'm thinking of gaim, but not sure if it's compatible with windows.
Addendum:
MSN fouling up again.
Installed Trillian.
Addendum 010507:
Dangit! The problem was indeed Norton anti-virus!
This page was helpful, though rather retarded.
Changed the setting on norton for MSN messenger to "Permit All" and now it works.
For some reason, after a while (in the order of days), there would be connection problems by the name "81000306".
Tried searching windows live account help to solve the problem, but the documentation's quite unsatisfactory.
Tried signing in on webmessanger, and it worked. Worked on the old windows messenger as well. So figured that the problem was the IM Client itself - Windows Live Messenger. Reinstalled it, and now it works. But I wonder how long this will last before giving more problems.
Thus, I'm now looking for alternative IM clients. Found Google talk, but havent found out that they support msn, and I'm thinking of gaim, but not sure if it's compatible with windows.
Addendum:
MSN fouling up again.
Installed Trillian.
Addendum 010507:
Dangit! The problem was indeed Norton anti-virus!
This page was helpful, though rather retarded.
Changed the setting on norton for MSN messenger to "Permit All" and now it works.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Laptop Spring Cleaning
Just wiped out my entire hard disk with system restore, and reinstalled all my programs... Here's my installation log for future reference.
Now my laptop feels brand new!
28 Apr 07:
Copied entire "My Documents" folder.
Copied entire "Installers" folder.
28 Apr 07:
Configured Internet Explorer -
LAN Settings >
Automatically connect to:
http://www.cam.ac.uk/proxyconfig.pac
28 Apr 07:
Installed Thunderbird.
Configured Account following instructions on
http://www.cam.ac.uk/cs/email/muasettings/mozilla.html
Configured local email archives folder.
28 Apr 07:
Installed Firefox 1.5.0.6.
Configured LAN Settings.
Downloaded Firefox 2.
Installed Firefox 2.
Configured download folder.
28 Apr 07:
Downloaded Windows Live Messanger.
Installed Windows Live Messanger.
Configured Live Messanger:
Group offline contacts together.
Hide Tabs.
28 Apr 07:
Downloaded Google Desktop.
Installed Google Desktop.
Configured gadgets.
28 Apr 07:
Downloaded itunes.
Installed itunes.
Music and Podcasts already existing, as organised in the "itunes folder".
28 Apr 07:
Downloaded Filezilla 2.2.32.
Installed Filezilla.
Need to recover account usernames and passwords for:
1.srcf
http://www.srcf.ucam.org/faq/basics#upload
Username and password in old email.
Configuration successful.
2.home
need to recover infomation in summer.
CREATED RESTORE POINT
28 Apr 07:
Downloaded Open Office 2.2.0.
Installed Open office.
28 Apr 07:
Downloaded Skype 3.1.
Installed Skype 3.1.
Now my laptop feels brand new!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Sainsbury Mathematics! Start of term, and stuff.
Just got two packets of salmon for 2 p today! Thanks to some loophole in the sainsbury reduced system. Details of loophole on Yijin's Blog.
Term's beginning tomorrow. It's that time of the year in Cambridge, stressful times, time to put faith to practice, learn to trust the future to God.
Doing the book of Ecclesiastes in CF, and the book of Exodus at focus. This term is a good time to re-evaluate our pursuits, and put what we are doing in eternal perspective. And Exodus reminds us that God is soverign in all situations.
Yup, and i'm currently playing around with other versions of linux, installing fedora as I blog now. Will put screenshots in due time :)
Term's beginning tomorrow. It's that time of the year in Cambridge, stressful times, time to put faith to practice, learn to trust the future to God.
Doing the book of Ecclesiastes in CF, and the book of Exodus at focus. This term is a good time to re-evaluate our pursuits, and put what we are doing in eternal perspective. And Exodus reminds us that God is soverign in all situations.
Yup, and i'm currently playing around with other versions of linux, installing fedora as I blog now. Will put screenshots in due time :)
Monday, April 23, 2007
That was quick!
Yay! Successfully ran Kubuntu on a virtualmachine player.
By following the instructions on this page.
And thanks rob, for informing me about the HUGE repository of Linux packages available for download on the srcf. I'm gonna familiarise myself with the installation of linux, and set up a suitable version on my home computer when i return in summer.
I love the way this allows one to install entire OS'es without worrying about spoiling a thousand dollar machine.
Also like how one may be able to get into a particular (i.e. programming) frame of mind in a linux environment, and switch out if it almost instantaneously, with a virtual machine. Think I'll look for a pet virtual machine to do my programming in, and conduct all such operations in that mode.
By following the instructions on this page.
And thanks rob, for informing me about the HUGE repository of Linux packages available for download on the srcf. I'm gonna familiarise myself with the installation of linux, and set up a suitable version on my home computer when i return in summer.
I love the way this allows one to install entire OS'es without worrying about spoiling a thousand dollar machine.
Also like how one may be able to get into a particular (i.e. programming) frame of mind in a linux environment, and switch out if it almost instantaneously, with a virtual machine. Think I'll look for a pet virtual machine to do my programming in, and conduct all such operations in that mode.
Path to Linux
Ok, successfully recovered my computer... But lost some info, like my old emails... it may be hiding somewhere but couldnt search it out...
Anyway thought i needed to really unwind cos i have been getting nowhere but stressed with work, and tried to install C&C3 with an original cd borrowed from Yiliang.
It doesnt work, and I've since tried updating my graphics card driver, and C&C3 itself. Having problems updating C&C3.
Have moved on to trying to run linux as a virtual machine using VMware Converter, as advised by shawn. Stumbled upon this page, which I hope will lead to a successful implementation of virtual linux on this computer.
Lets see...
Anyway thought i needed to really unwind cos i have been getting nowhere but stressed with work, and tried to install C&C3 with an original cd borrowed from Yiliang.
It doesnt work, and I've since tried updating my graphics card driver, and C&C3 itself. Having problems updating C&C3.
Have moved on to trying to run linux as a virtual machine using VMware Converter, as advised by shawn. Stumbled upon this page, which I hope will lead to a successful implementation of virtual linux on this computer.
Lets see...
Summer Plans
Ok, have a few objectives to achieve this summer-
1) Play C&C3.
2) Install Linux on my home computer
3) Read the book Structured Computer Organization, 5/E
4) Read up on mathematical methods for physicist.
5) Hopefully find an internship at dsta
6) Do up the temasek soc webpage, and find a calendar.
And Yiliang, my neighbour, actually bought the original C&C3 in england for 34.00 pounds!!! I really feel like borrowing it from him to help unwind!!! ahhh!!!
1) Play C&C3.
2) Install Linux on my home computer
3) Read the book Structured Computer Organization, 5/E
4) Read up on mathematical methods for physicist.
5) Hopefully find an internship at dsta
6) Do up the temasek soc webpage, and find a calendar.
And Yiliang, my neighbour, actually bought the original C&C3 in england for 34.00 pounds!!! I really feel like borrowing it from him to help unwind!!! ahhh!!!
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Hit by virus, and considering converting to linux.
Ok, this is it. End of the road for microsoft.
Got hit by a virus sent as a link by a friend over msn. Link is http://24347.herasunmedaxuke.com/6/918 DONT TRY IT!!!
it downloaded the file "the winners game.exe"
Dont know why i was so off guard to the point of running the executable file. Maybe cos he was also a mathmo and i thought it's one of his creations. But since then, my com has been getting increasingly laggy. Ran system restore, but it's still not working properly.
And I realised that I haven't gotten myself any antivirus programs on this computer.
Now I'm thinking of the main functions of this computer...
I use it mainly for the internet, msn, skype, and email.
As well as maintain websites, all of which will not be a problem on linux... I connect to the server using filezilla.
I need a pdf reader, which shouldnt be too difficult to replace on a linuxbox, and I'm already using openoffice, and gimp.
I also would need a music player, to replace itunes, one which will play my m4a files.
And, find out if the OS would be competible with all the usb devices I am using - my camera, palm; and all the cards - sound, webcam. And the dvd player, which I have never used.
Also, if I am intending to game, I'd need to find out how the games would be competible with the version of linux i'm using.
Main games would be dota, and C&C3, if i get it during the holidays.
Come to think of it, maybe I shouldnt wipe out the whole OS, but install linux on a seperate partition. See if that's possible.
Got hit by a virus sent as a link by a friend over msn. Link is http://24347.herasunmedaxuke.com/6/918 DONT TRY IT!!!
it downloaded the file "the winners game.exe"
Dont know why i was so off guard to the point of running the executable file. Maybe cos he was also a mathmo and i thought it's one of his creations. But since then, my com has been getting increasingly laggy. Ran system restore, but it's still not working properly.
And I realised that I haven't gotten myself any antivirus programs on this computer.
Now I'm thinking of the main functions of this computer...
I use it mainly for the internet, msn, skype, and email.
As well as maintain websites, all of which will not be a problem on linux... I connect to the server using filezilla.
I need a pdf reader, which shouldnt be too difficult to replace on a linuxbox, and I'm already using openoffice, and gimp.
I also would need a music player, to replace itunes, one which will play my m4a files.
And, find out if the OS would be competible with all the usb devices I am using - my camera, palm; and all the cards - sound, webcam. And the dvd player, which I have never used.
Also, if I am intending to game, I'd need to find out how the games would be competible with the version of linux i'm using.
Main games would be dota, and C&C3, if i get it during the holidays.
Come to think of it, maybe I shouldnt wipe out the whole OS, but install linux on a seperate partition. See if that's possible.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Definition of a Geek
Abstract from Wikipedia:
The definition most common among geeks themselves is: "one who is primarily motivated by passion," indicating somebody whose reasoning and decision making is always first and foremost based on his personal passions rather than things like financial reward or social acceptance. Geeks do not see the typical "geeky" interests as interesting, but as objects of passionate devotion. The idea that the pursuit of personal passions should be the fundamental driving force to all decisions could be considered the most basic shared tenet among geeks of all varieties. Geeks consider such pursuits to be their own defining characteristic.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Geeky
Visited shawn last night, and chatted bout geeky stuff til 3 am!
Talked about many things including:
Ethereal,
whois, and
Andrew S. Tanebaum and his book, Structured Computer Organization, 5/E. Thinking of getting my library to buy it for me to read over summer.
Talked about many things including:
Ethereal,
whois, and
Andrew S. Tanebaum and his book, Structured Computer Organization, 5/E. Thinking of getting my library to buy it for me to read over summer.
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