Dank

Dank's 2011 Calendar

2010-12-04T20:54:00.000+08:00

Dear Friends,

I designed and produced a 2011 Calendar featuring my underwater photographs taken in recent years. It is similar to my 2010 Calendar but with a different set of beautiful photographs and a pro-conservation message:
1. Choose sustainably harvested seafood. Use the WWF Singapore Seafood Guide: www.wwf.sg
2. Don't eat Shark Fin Soup, even if it is already served at the table: www.sharksavers.org/sharkfinsoup

Do consider getting one for yourself and for your friends too; they would make simple gifts with a meaningful message! Christmas is just round the corner and if you cannot find a more suitable gift, why not consider this pro-conservation calendar?

My 2011 Calendar can be viewed here

The calendars will be sold for $10 at the following dive shops:

Divers Outfitter
77A Duxton Road
Singapore 089536
Tel: 62223257
Web: www.diversoutfitter.com

Friendly Waters Seasports Services
20 Upper Circular Road, THE RIVERWALK
#01-36, Singapore 058416
Tel: 65570016
Web: www.friendlywaters.com.sg
Email: info@friendltwaters.com.sg

Dive 360 Singapore
1 Tanjong Pagar Plaza
#02-41, Singapore 082001
Tel: 62206203
Web: www.dive360.com.sg

Planet Scuba Pte Ltd
#02-36, Tanjong Pagar Plaza
Tanjong Pagar Road
Tel: 62277561
Web: www.planetscuba.com.sg

I will arrange for personal delivery if you purchase 10 or more pieces.

Overseas Purchases
If you are situated outside of Singapore and would like to get your hands on one, no worries! Just give me your mailing address and I will mail you a copy. It will cost slightly more ($14-$20) to cover the cost of delivery, depending on country. Payment can be arranged through PayPal.

Thanks for the support!

Daniel,
Daniel Kwok.

The Incredibly Magnificent Underwater World... Gone?

2010-07-27T20:49:00.009+08:00

One of the things i desire to experience (hopefully sometime soon) is the Sardine Run off South Africa. Millions of fish in a "pathway made up of individual Sardines" stretching for miles and miles, a seemingly endless tube of life... and the predatory Gannets, Dolphins, Sharks and the occasional Whale, all frenzied into a mix of life and death seen nowhere else on this planet.

My desire is not to see the plight of the Sardines, but to see (1) the magnificent and extraordinary migration of the millions of fish, and (2) the annual coming-together of all these thousands of different predators from various oceans to continue this ecosystem of life and death.

Link: The Greatest Shoal on Earth

Soon, however, this magnificent natural phenomenon may be a thing of the past, as fishermen continue to harvest irresponsibly the precious jewels of the sea; the fish, the dolphins and the sharks, all critical elements in the ocean food chain.

Imagine a World Without Fish...
The Movie "The End of the Line" shows the beautiful underwater realm that covers more than 70% of the world we live in, and the reality of irresponsible overfishing. Many people think "even if i stop eating Tuna, others will continue to eat" or "it's already dead, what's the difference". If you think that also, you're mistaken...

Do Your Part in Preserving Our Oceans?
Download the World Wildlife Foundation's (WWF) Singapore Seafood Guide to find out which type of seafood to avoid.

Clarification
I'm not asking you to abstain from all types of seafood. I'm simply recommending that you be aware of what you eat because your choice of seafood has an impact on the health of our beautiful oceans.

Other Recommended Movies:
Sharkwater (Official Website) (Review)
The Cove (Official Website) (Review)

Scuba Dive Aur, 28-30 May 2010

2010-07-21T13:50:00.001+08:00

Where: Pulau Aur, Malaysia
Stayed at: Atlantis Bay Dive Resort
Amount of pleasure: Lots
Number of fish: Plenty
Number of divers: Moderate
Visibility: Average (15-20m)

Scuba Dive Aur, 15-16 May 2010

2010-07-21T03:49:00.001+08:00

Where: Pulau Aur, Malaysia
Stayed at: Atlantis Bay Dive Resort
Amount of pleasure: Lots
Number of fish: Moderate
Number of divers: Moderate
Visibility: Average (15-20m)

Scuba Dive LOB Seaborne, 8-9 May 2010

2010-07-21T01:49:00.001+08:00

Where: Pulau Tioman, Malaysia
Stayed at: MV Seaborne, LOB
Amount of pleasure: Lots
Number of fish: Plenty
Number of divers: 15
Visibility: Average (15-20m)

It was a very enjoyable weekend onboard MV Seaborne, with good company and good food, and lots of friendly macro subjects and a non-shy Cat Shark on the night dive!

Scuba Dive Aur, 1-2 May 2010

2010-07-20T11:01:00.000+08:00

Where: Pulau Aur, Malaysia
Stayed at: Atlantis Bay Dive Resort
Amount of pleasure: Lots
Number of fish: Plenty
Number of divers: Few
Visibility: Average (15-20m)
Current: STRONG

Scuba Dive Aur, 16-18 Apr 2010

2010-07-19T02:23:00.000+08:00

Where: Pulau Aur, Malaysia
Stayed at: Atlantis Bay Dive Resort
Amount of pleasure: Lots
Number of fish: Plenty
Number of divers: Moderate
Visibility: Average (20-25m)

Scuba Dive P.Perhentian, 2-4 Apr 2010

2010-07-18T04:20:00.000+08:00

The long (Good Fryday) weekend presented yet another opportunity to go further North to dive, at Perhentian, with Orpheus Dive.
Where: Pulau Perhentian, Malaysia
Stayed at: Flora Bay Resort
Amount of pleasure: Lots
Number of fish: Extremely Plenty
Number of divers: Few
Visibility: Below Average (5-15m)

Enjoy the photos!

A trip of wonderful finds! =)

Scuba Dive Aur, 27-28 Mar 2010

2010-07-09T03:47:00.003+08:00

Where: Pulau Aur, Malaysia
Stayed at: Diver's Lodge Dive Resort
Amount of pleasure: Lots
Number of fish: Plenty
Number of divers: Moderate
Visibility: Average (15-20m)

This trip was a little special because it was the first time i'd dived at the Broken Jetty (directly opposite Dayang Jetty) and it was the first time i'd seen a Stargazer at Aur/Tioman!

Scuba Dive Maldives LOB, 13-21 Feb 2010

2010-07-09T03:27:00.002+08:00

I spent the Chinese New Year super long weekend on an LOB in the Maldives. Decided to maximise my public holidays, confirmed everything with a friend within two weeks of the trip and we went for a good week of diving and above-water fun. Total of 20 diving guests on the boat, including 12 of Singaporeans, all of whom (except one) i've never met before. It was a really enjoyable trip despite not having seen Whale Shark or Hammerhead Shark.

Maldives, in the Indian Ocean, South West of Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan Flight to Male Airport via transit at Colombo, Sri Lanka
LOB on the MV Princess Lara
Enjoyed 18 dives over 7 days
Number of Fish: Plenty
Interesting sightings: 6 Mantas on the first Manta day, 4 Mantas on the second Manta day, more than 30 sharks (White Tip Reef Sharks and Grey Reef Sharks) on the Shark day, Turtles, Barracudas and lots of fish
Unfortunately: Did not see any Whale Shark or Hammerhead Shark
Visibility: So-so for Maldives, averaging 20-30m

I will definitely go back to Maldives again sometime in the future, and definitely on the LOB option in order to cover the many dive sites around the various Atolls.

Scuba Dive Hantu, 7 Feb 2010

2010-07-09T03:12:00.002+08:00

It's been a few months since i last updated this space and for you who've been regularly coming back to check in on me, you'd be glad to know that i've finally squeezed out some time to start on the backlog of updates. =)

First up, to recap the dive off-season (Nov 09 till Feb 10), i accumulated a total of 12 dives at Pulau Hantu, an island just South of Singapore, over a total of five weekends. There's lots of things to see when you dive in Singapore, you just have to be patient, dive with good buoyancy and look hard enough. I encountered a Turtle, two Octopus, two Cuttlefish, several Seahorses and Pipefish, several Anemonefish (and other fish) and many Nudibranch and Flatworms.

Here are some of the photos from my last off-season dive at Hantu:

Didn't expect there to be so many things to see in Singapore? Join me on the off-season, Nov 10 till Feb 11!

Save Some Sharks?

2010-04-09T02:02:00.004+08:00

Hello dear friends!

I've been wanting to embark on a project for awhile now, and i finally decided to use ADEX as a springboard to start. Hope you can read on, understand my intention, and maybe support me somewhat.

I've printed table cards which can be placed on lunch/dinner tables of official functions (wedding, company events, etc), listing a bit of the truth about shark fin and the fate of sharks. If you've previously organised an official lunch/dinner you'd know how difficult it is to explain away not having Shark Fin on your menu.... right?

This would thus be an avenue to explain why Shark Fin is not on the menu; to help organisers say "NO" to Shark Fin. These table cards are A5-sized, folded into half (to be able to stand on the table), and will sell in packets of 30. Each table card would cost $1, thus a lunch/dinner of 30 tables would cost you $30 in table cards; small change compared to the (monetary, conservation and inhumane) cost of Shark Fin! I have a friend who has graciously allowed these cards to be sold at his Red Scuba booth during ADEX over the next few days, and depending on the success this weekend i may sell them at dive shops in the future.

The cards were drafted half a year ago but i didn't manage to get them printed as I didn't have the keenness to start, however last week (in the middle of the night) I decided that ADEX would be the perfect opportunity for me to help start saving some sharks. I rushed last Thursday to finalise the design within two hours then sent it to print, and just a few hours ago i frantically drove around to collect the cards, re-package them (together with two friends), and they're finally prepared for sale at ADEX.

Help me save some Sharks? =)

Daniel,
Daniel Kwok.

An Entry for Messages

2010-03-29T00:34:00.002+08:00

I have grown irritated at the unreliability of the chatterbox, thus have decided to create a dedicated post for messages.

This entry shall be likened to a chat box for you to leave a piece of your mind, or for whatever you feel like leaving. =)

Go ahead, click "Comment", and leave your message!

Scuba Dive Hantu, Jan 2010

2010-01-23T12:28:00.006+08:00

Was thinking about diving at Hantu over the past few months (previous post), and i've gone for it! Not once or twice, but thrice, and one or two more to come! Here's what i experienced diving in our own backyard...

Pulau Hantu, an island South of Singapore. See map:

Departing from Republic of Singapore Yacht Club (RSYC) off Clementi Road.
Diving off MV Samudera Quest.
Enjoyed 6 dives over three half-days.
Number of Fish: Few
Interesting sightings 9 Jan: 1 Seahorse, 1 Cuttlefish, Shultz Pipefish, Winged Pipefish
Interesting sightings 16 Jan: 1 Cuttlefish, Octopus Tentacles
Interesting sightings 17 Jan: 2 Seahorses, Octopus Eye
Visibility: Not good

Enjoy these photos taken at Hantu!

All other photos on Flickr:
Two dives at Hantu, 9 Jan 10
Two dives at Hantu, 16 Jan 10
Two dives at Hantu, 17 Jan 10

I've scheduled another half-day trip to Hantu end-January, and possibly one more in February, then when the Malaysia dive season re-opens, i'll be chartering an LOB for a trip (or two) to Aur/Tioman... stay tuned!

Scuba Dive Bali, 29 Dec - 3 Jan 10

2010-01-09T15:52:00.001+08:00

Bali, Indonesia.
Stayed at Taman Agung Hotel (more like a motel) in Sanur.
Enjoyed 13 Day and 1 Night dives.
Days diving in Bali: 4.
Number of Fish: EXTREMELY plentiful.
Number of Dives Filled with coral Carpets: 3 at Nusa Penida
Number of Rip-Roaring Drift Dives: 1 at Lembongan Island
Number of Underwater Fish Tornados: 1 Jacks + 1 Don't-know-what

Travelled 2-3hrs each way, each day, from the hotel in Sanur to the dive sites Menjangan Island (in the North-West), Tulamben (East), Nusa Penida (South East) and Puri Jati (North).

Enjoy these photos from Bali!

Next dive adventures in the off-season... to Hantu!

Dank's 2010 Calendar

2009-12-25T13:29:00.006+08:00

Dear visitor/friend,

Would you like a designed-by-Dank 2010 calendar?

Photographs and captions by Daniel, Daniel Kwok.

Anyone wants to own a copy of this beautiful calendar?
$20 - delivery by Daniel, where convenient
$25 - SingPost snailmail (Singapore), minimum 7 days
$30 - Airmail (worldwide), minimum 14 days

email "danieldanielkwok@gmail.com" with your queries and orders.

Diving at Pulau Hantu, Singapore

2009-10-18T14:07:00.004+08:00

What is Pulau Hantu?
It is an island South of mainland Singapore, a favourite site for fishing, scuba diving and (the occasional) snorkeling enthusiast because its beaches are sheltered. The island also offers opportunities for campers looking for an outdoor experience.

Where is Pulau Hantu?
South of mainland Singapore, off the Singapore Straits (see map, in red)

Conditions at Pulau Hantu?
Because of its proximity to the busy Singapore Straits, and it being located along the sea passages to nearby ports, silt is churned up by passing ships and rarely has a chance to settle before yet another passing ship does the same, in a never-ending "almost a night dive in the day" situation. Visibility ranges between 1m to 9m.

Since visibility is chronic, why dive at Pulau Hantu?
Because the nearby (and affordable) weekend dive sites Pulau Aur and Pulau Tioman are closed due to the choppy seas brought about by the North-East Monsoon:
- costs between $100 and $200 only
- no long bus rides required
- one Saturday sufficient to satiate your nitrogen withdrawal

What's there to see at Hantu?
Lots to see, if you're observant and patient. Divers have seen Seahorse, fish (Clownfish, Cardinalfish, Wrasse, etc), Nudibranch, Starfish, Shrimps, Crabs, many species of Corals, and even Turtles!
See photographs taken by Hantu Bloggers: Gallery at Hantu Bloggers

For more information, visit Hantu Bloggers, an NGO with the objective of "raising awareness and creating a sustainable future for Singapore’s marine heritage".

Anyone interested in diving Pulau Hantu in Nov, Dec and Jan?

Our Future Computer Interface?

2009-10-14T01:28:00.001+08:00

You know what a computer mouse is and how it works:
..single point of reference, one pair of coordinates on the screen.
You know how the Windows Graphic User Interface (GUI) works.
..open/close, maximise/minimise, click, drag and drop.
You know how the Mac GUI works:
..two fingers and some software zoom-zoom for zooming in/out.

Now take a look at a possible future CON10UUM (con-ten-uum) GUI:
..a large touchpad, ten fingers, zoom function, scroll.

10/GUI from C. Miller on Vimeo.

What Cove?

2009-10-03T15:54:00.006+08:00

Definition
Cove /koʊv/ noun
1. a small indentation or recess in the shoreline of a sea, lake, or river.
2. a sheltered nook.
3. a hollow or recess in a mountain; cave; cavern.
4. a narrow pass between woods or hills.
5. a sheltered area between woods or hills.
6. Architecture.
a. a concave surface or molding.
b. a concave surface forming part of a ceiling at its edge so as to eliminate the usual interior angle between the wall and ceiling.

The Cove is a cove in Japan where unimaginable stuff happens. Despite the severity (and hypocricy) of the activies, the town's residents are still in the dark; they are shocked when told of what happens in their backyard.

Trailer: The Cove

Dank would like you to watch The Cove. It "tells the amazing true story of how an elite team of activists, film makers and
freedivers embark on a covert mission to penetrate a hidden cove in
Japan, shining light on a dark and deadly secret... The shocking
discoveries they uncovered were only the tip of the iceberg."
...it's been screening at GV Europa (Vivocity) for awhile already, and may be at the end of its run in Singapore; watch it this weekend!

Will you make an effort to save our seas?

"Pledge Moment 2009"

2009-08-19T08:20:00.007+08:00

Are you a Singaporean? If you are a Singaporean:
1. Did you celebrate National Day on 9 Aug 09?
2. Did you watch the National Day Parade?
3. Did you join in the Pledge Moment?

I wasn't in Singapore on 9 August but i organised a Pledge Moment and it felt nice knowing i contributed to the worldwide voice of Singapore! Were you a part of that voice at 8:22pm? Anyway here's sharing a heartwarming National Day Pledge Moment.

A Republic of Singapore ship was away from Singapore with 175 Singaporeans embarked. At 8:22pm on 9 August 2009, they all gathered to participate in the Pledge Moment somewhere in the South China Sea: The Pledge, National Anthem, and a Birthday Song to Singapore...

Scuba Dive Sipadan, 28 Jun - 4 Jul 09

2009-07-07T21:28:00.000+08:00

Sipadan, East of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
Stayed at Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort (SKDR).
Enjoyed 18 Day, 1 Dawn, 5 Sunset and 2 Night dives.
Days diving at Sipadan: 2.
Number of Fish: EXTREMELY plenty.
Number of Underwater Fish Tornados: 3 Barracudas + 3 Jacks
Number of mosquito/sandfly bites (at the resort): ZERO
View from my room/cottage: Magnificent, almost surreal

Enjoy these photos from Sipadan!

Splendid accommodation, wonderful diving and magnificent dive company... I'll be going back there sometime in the future, a definite must-dive location.

Scuba Dive P.Aur, 19-21 Jun 09

2009-06-27T14:04:00.000+08:00

Where: Pulau Aur, Malaysia
Stayed at: Atlantis Bay Resort
Amount of pleasure: Lots
Number of fish: Plenty
Number of divers: Moderate
Visibility: Average (15-20m)

Scuba Dive P.Weh, 4-10 May 09

2009-06-17T22:44:00.001+08:00

Pulau Weh, North of Banda Aceh, Indonesia.
Stayed at Lumba Lumba Dive Resort.
Deepest dive to date: 51.4m.

Enjoy these photos from Pulau Weh!

Very affordable dive location, although a little tedious to get to (flight to KL, flight to Banda Aceh, road to ferry terminal, ferry to Pulau Weh, road to resort), the diving is peaceful and very relaxing... lots of fish all around!

Scuba Dive P.Aur, 22-24 May 09

2009-06-07T14:02:00.001+08:00

Where: Pulau Aur, Malaysia
Stayed at: Atlantis Bay Resort
Amount of pleasure: Lots
Number of fish: Plenty
Number of divers: Moderate
Visibility: Average (15-20m)

Scuba Dive P.Perhentian, 9-12 Apr 09

2009-05-01T12:50:00.007+08:00

The long (Good Fryday) weekend presented yet another opportunity to go further North to dive at Perhentian with Passion Scuba.
Where: Pulau Perhentian, Malaysia
Stayed at: Flora Bay Resort
Amount of pleasure: Lots
Number of fish: Extremely Plenty
Number of divers: Few
Visibility: Below Average (5-15m)

Enjoy the photos!

Next up... Away to Weh, a howl at Aur, then a Sip from the Kap! Will you be underwater soon too?

Scuba Dive P.Tioman, 27-29 Mar 09

2009-03-30T23:04:00.005+08:00

Spent a weekend dive to Pulau Tioman, Malaysia, with NUS Dive Club (Dive Sub-Club Committee and OpenWater Students).
Where: Pulau Tioman, Malaysia
Stayed at: Island Reef Resort
Amount of pleasure: Lots
Number of fish: Extremely Plenty
Number of divers: Moderate
Visibility: Below Average (10-15m)

Enjoy the photos!

Next dive... Perhentian!

Scuba Dive P.Aur, 13-15 Mar 09

2009-03-18T23:52:00.003+08:00

My first Dive weekend (of the season) at Atlantis Bay Resort on Pulau Aur, Malaysia
Where: Pulau Aur, Malaysia
Stayed at: Atlantis Bay Resort
Amount of pleasure: Lots
Number of fish: Plenty
Number of divers: Moderate
Visibility: Average (15-20m)

More dives to come! Next dive to Tioman with NUS Dive Sub-Club!

Singapore Biathlon 2009

2009-03-07T13:23:00.004+08:00

1.5km Swim: 32min
Transition: 1min
10km Run: 1hr 1min
Total Time: 1hr 34min
-unofficial time as recorded by my personal watch-

Quite a few of my colleagues did the mini version (500m swim, 3km run), and i'm glad they dared to take up the challenge... good job guys and girl!

Not sure if anyone took my photo, will try to find some and post them up.

...fulfilled my exercise quota for the year, till next year's Singapore Biathlon. =)

"Best Job" Shortlist

2009-03-06T08:18:00.005+08:00

There were 34,684 applicants from 200 countries for "the Best Job in the World" and 224 applicants were from Singapore.

50 candidates from 22 countries were shortlisted, with two from Singapore.

Dank was not one of the two from Singapore; he was not shortlisted.

Nevertheless, thank you for your support (if you did support), your encouragement and kind comments/feedback on my video, and your belief in me. Hope to see you underwater, whether with me on a dive trip or a chance meeting underwater, soon! =)

Scuba Dive P.Aur, 27 Feb - 1 Mar 09

2009-03-03T20:26:00.001+08:00

First dive of the Malaysia dive season at Aur, onboard LOB Samudera Quest
Where: Pulau Aur, Malaysia
Stayed at: LOB Samudera Quest
Amount of pleasure: Lots
Number of fish: Plenty
Number of divers: Few
The Good: Good visibility (20-30m), healthy coral, Family of (8) Bumphead Parrotfish, Orgie of (8) Cuttlefish, 2 Eagle Rays, and lots of healthy fish.
The Bad: I didn't see the Eagle Rays...

Enjoy the photos!

Let the dive season begin!!! See you underwater soon! =)

Random

2009-02-26T00:01:00.003+08:00

Random isn't really Random, is it?

Need
What do i need?
1. Peace of Mind.
2. Loads of money so that i can achieve (1).
3. To forever live with my underwater relatives.
...unfortunately all of the above elude me.

Not Need
What do i not need?
1. Irritation and Frustration.
2. Crap colleagues who never think of/for others, leading to (1).
3. To be a workaholic.
...unfortunately these are inscribed on my forehead, my arms, my ass, my legs, my... etc.

Sun and Sea
Will be out today... with the beautiful sun and endless sea all around.

Happy
If it's a birthday, but not a happy birthday, do you still wish "Happy Birthday"? Or do you just wish "Birthday"? If it's an anniversary, but not a happy anniversary, do you still wish "Happy Anniversary"? Or do you just wish "Anniversary"?

Enough
When is enough, enough? How do you know when to hedge your losses, punch out, start uncertain but new? When is it time to speak out and attempt to set things right, or should you ever speak out? Mutiny maybe? We'll see... we'll see.

Best Job
You think? I can only hope. Even so, the obstacle isn't in getting the job, the obstacle is in being able to accept the job. You think? I can only hope.

Video
I just had to plug this in somewhere. http://www.islandreefjob.com/#/applicants/watch/W4miTobIi6k

Random isn't really Random, is it?

"Best Job in the World"

2009-02-19T19:47:00.014+08:00

Remember my previous post on the "Best Job in the World"?
I've just submitted my video!

Selection Process/Timeline?
2 Jan: Application opened.
22 Feb: Application closes and Tourism Queensland (TQ) will select 50 top applications.
2 Mar - 2 Apr: The 50 selected candidates will be displayed on Their Website. The 50 selected candidates will have to submit a (300-500 word) writeup to reinforce their application, and TQ will shortlist 10. Also, during this one month the public can vote for their favourite and the candidate with the most votes will get the Wild Card 11th shortlisted position.
2 Apr: The 11 candidates (top 10 selected by TQ and 1 by Wild Card) will be notified of interview selection.
3-6 May: The selected 11 will travel to Queensland for a formal interview, and participate in activites such as Team Challenges, Physical, Skill-based and Aptitude Tests.
6 May: Successful candidate will be announced.
1 Jul: "Best Job in the World" will commence.

...will you support Daniel?
Official IslandReefJob Video Link ...Give him 5 Stars!
Facebook Video Link ...Give him your comments!
YouTube Video Link ...if you can't view the Official Video.

Scuba Dive Lembeh, 24-31 Jan 09

2009-02-11T17:35:00.005+08:00

Lembeh Straits, in North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Stayed at Lembeh Resort, on Lembeh Island itself.
Enjoyed 17 Day dives and 5 Night dives, all Nitrox dives.
Maximum Dive Time 93minutes, Maximum Depth 26m.
Number of mosquito bites: 25 (approximate)
Number of steps from dining area to cottage: 65 (exact)

Enjoy these photos of Lembeh's interesting critters!

Awaiting the Malaysia dive season to open!!!

Interested in learning diving? Going diving at Pulau Aur? Let me know and we'll go explore the wonderful underwater world together!

"Best Job in the World"

2009-01-17T11:41:00.005+08:00

Have you heard about the "Best Job in the World"? (link)

Job offer open to anyone in the world, this job that doesn't require you to sit in a frigid and stale airconditioned office and wear uniforms/suits, doesn't require you to report at 8am everyday and get stuck in a traffic jam during morning/evening peak hours. In fact, this provides rent-free lodging in a three-room beach home (with plunge pool and golf buggy), pays you AUD$25,000 per month for 6 months, requires you to explore the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, swim and snorkel the reefs, stroll the white sands, blog about the experience, and occasionally speak to the press about the wonderful experience. It would definitely be a wonderful experience!

I will apply...

Scuba Dive P.Hantu, 10 Jan 09

2009-01-11T13:24:00.007+08:00

First dive of 2009, Pulau Hantu.

After my first dive at Hantu I decided to introduce friends to explore the much-famed diving in Singapore; diving at Pulau Hantu. So i chartered a modest dive boat and gathered my dive friends! Managed to get 10 divers and it was to be an enjoyable day!

Went to Fong Seng for breakfast, pack lunch, and buy drinks/ice, then we embarked the dive boat at RSYC and set off! 4 dives, 10 divers, and wonderful company. What's more, my first encounter with a Hantu Seahorse and an Eel Blenny!

Also check out MinSheng's photos on MinSheng's Flickr.

Anyone else interested in Hantu? =)

Curtains 2008; Bring Forth 2009

2009-01-01T00:01:00.004+08:00

Thank You for your time, your precious time to visit Dank's humble blog this past year (and the many years before).

This Blog will continue to bring you little snippets of Dank's life, especially his underwater experiences. Dank hopes this blog will continue to live up to your expectations.

To You: Dank would like to wish "a Merry New Year".

Scuba Dive P.Hantu, 20 Dec 08

2008-12-21T10:37:00.005+08:00

Pulau Hantu, an island South of mainland Singapore, is only a 30min boat ride from a nearby marina. We boarded the boat at 830am and i was on my way to dive in Singapore waters for the very first time!

I've heard so much about the visibility at Hantu, i had to give it a try. Moreover, i'd be embarassed to say "I live in Singapore but i've never dived in Singapore", no? Mr/Ms i-live-in-Singapore, have you dived Hantu?

Despite the low visibility, there's lots to experience at Hantu! Anyway, here are more reasons to dive Hantu...
1. Much cheaper than overseas for your Nitrogen fix.
2. No long bus/boat rides; 30min trip to the dive site.
3. No worries about crappy lodging; your bed at the end of the day.
4. Build confidence in low-visibility waters.
5. After Hantu, you'll better appreciate overseas diving.

You have to try it at least once! I'll definitely go back for more!

Be Vulnerable

2008-12-14T17:33:00.000+08:00

"If you really want something, be vulnerable;
When you put yourself in a position to lose everything,
you potentially gain everything"

1. You may potentially gain everything; potentially.
May, or may not.

2. If you don't know what you want, you better think about it.
If you don't have the heart or the time to think about it, your life is a mess.

There was a Scuba Diver...

2008-12-09T21:09:00.001+08:00

When the last breath for me is past,
fulfil a request of which to be my last,
The ashes of mine be placed within,
within a scuba cylinder, together with a mask and fin,
Atop the cylinder a stainless steel plate should sit,
with these words to be clearly written on it:

"There was a scuba diver, he'd dive 'most round the clock,
He used to introduce himself as 'Daniel, Daniel Kwok',
Resting here now he lay, within this tank and upon this rock."

When the time comes do grant him this simple final wish,
following which he will finally rest with all the fish...

Scuba Dive Cebu, 25-29 Nov 08

2008-12-07T16:35:00.006+08:00

Had to clear a week of leave so i (as usual) decided to go on an overseas dive trip! This time i decided to experience Moalboal in Cebu, Philippines, and i tried to source for a dive buddy at two weeks' notice. Fortunately, Angeline needed a break from work and although had only dived with me once before at Aur, was adventurous enough to be my dive buddy in Cebu! Despite missing out on her desired sighting of Whale Sharks, she enjoyed the relaxing dives (with hordes of small fishes) and the trip overall.

Enjoy the photos!

Scuba Dive P.Dayang, 14-16 Nov 08

2008-11-24T21:47:00.003+08:00

Last dive of the season along the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia... this time it was a leisure dive for me with my friends from Orpheus Dive! Although the visibility was quite bad (10m), the diving was very enjoyable and the company was great! Many thanks to Andy and Karla, Jason and Selena, Agnes and Mattias, and my patient and hassle-free dive buddy Ivan, for being great dive company!
Here are the photos!

Till the next season off the East coast of Malaysia, there's diving to be had elsewhere... including Pulau Hantu. Anyone interested? =)

Two Big Dark Round Things

2008-11-14T07:41:00.002+08:00

I've always found them interesting, captivating even...

They call these things Eyebags.

Dank's Diving Dilemma

2008-11-09T21:16:00.005+08:00

Many options, so little time, even less money, and no dive buddy.

Options: Cebu? P. Weh? P. Hantu? Or...?

Time: Any dates within 22-30 Nov.

Money: Anyone wants to donate/sponsor?

Dive Buddy: Should i chance he/she who's also buddy-less?

Couple these with a hectic schedule for both myself (work) and my good friend dive consultant (final exams)... i wonder if i will indeed get to go on this dive trip. For once the leave application was approved without question ('cos i had to use this leave by end of the year and 22-30 Nov was the only available window), although i did apply for it at such short notice.

Help?

---
Settled. Dive buddy found. Await my return and my photographs!

Why Am I Not Tired?

2008-11-08T04:48:00.003+08:00

Can it be explained Scientifically, Psychologically or Theoretically?

Monday-Thursday
I slept an average of 5hr 30min a day

Fryday
I slept at 0530H and woke at 1000H on Fryday.
I worked till 8pm and left work at 2045H.
I went for a 5km/26min run, from 2137-2203H.
I had a Chicken Salad and Mango Smoothie.
I edited my essay, from 2230-0030H.

Saturday
I topped up petrol.
I pumped the tires.
I sent the car through a car wash.
I got home and finished showering at 0130H.

Now
It's almost 5am and I don't feel sleepy.
I can't get to sleep.

"Until I Wake Up" by Dishwalla

2008-11-01T15:19:00.005+08:00

(link to video on YouTube)
Side Note: The video is not the original music video but shows Kara & Laura in Battlestar Galactica.

I rest my head
Between the bed and sky
Download my dread
Disarm my mind
Make it dry

Nothing in motion, and I'm satisfied
No disappointment, until I wake up
Don't want to wake up

Into clear space
Vivid vision
See her shape
At my bedside
Beam up my mind please

There's nothing in motion, and I'm satisfied
No disappointment, until I wake up

There's nothing in motion, and I'm satisfied
No disappointment, until I wake up
I don't want to wake up
Ooh, Oooooooh, Oooooooh

Nothing in motion, and I'm satisfied
No disappointment, until I wake up

There's nothing in motion, and I'm satisfied
No disappointment, until I wake up
I don't want to wake up, no
I don't want to wake up, no
Ooh, Ooh

I don't want to wake up, no

Scuba Dive Pulau Aur, 24-27 Oct 08

2008-11-01T10:53:00.006+08:00

Long weekend dive trip to Pulau Aur:
Fryday night till Monday (Deepavali) night,
9 day dives + 2 night dives,
1 Long and Lonely Decompression Stop (1hr 31mins underwater),
Many friendly and beautiful (and new) underwater friends met,
Happy divers all around...

Enjoy the photographs!

Scuba Dives P.Aur, 10-12 & 17-19 Oct 08

2008-10-23T10:19:00.006+08:00

I've been busy the past 2-3 weeks, thus have neglected to post photos from my 10-12 & 17-19 Oct 08 weekend dive trips to Pulau Aur. Notable happenings/sightings on these trips include...

10-12 Oct 08
1. Decorator (Sponge) Crabs at House Reef on Night Dive
2. Cuttlefish on many many dives
3. Fei-Lou Wreck at 26 metres

17-19 Oct 08
1. Pipefish at Rayner's Rock
2. Koror Shrimp in Bubble Coral at Pinang
3. Fei-Lou Wreck at 30 metres

"Leave Others In Your Wake"

2008-10-03T01:03:00.007+08:00

That's the tagline for the Singapore Open Water Swim 2008.

Held in conjunction with the FINA 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup (what a mouthful), the Singapore Open Water Swim 2008 will be conducted at East Coast Park too!

And i'll be there this Saturday, 4 Oct 08, for the 5km swim.

You must be thinking "you're Crazy"... well i think "you're Crazy" too!
Come watch me struggle myself crazy and gulp sea water on Saturday?
Haha!

FINA = Federation Internationale de Natation, French for International Swimming Federation

--- After-Swim UPDATE ---

Completed the 5km Singapore Open Water Swim:
1. 63 swimmers started the race (5km, Open Category)
2. 25 swimmers did not finish the race
3. first swimmer finished in 1:32:49
4. last swimmer finished in 4:28:08
5. i drank at least 2L of seawater during my swim
6. no feelings in the arms from 2.5km onwards
7. i ate a Power Gel (Strawberry & Banana flavour) at 3km
8. i drank 500ml of water at 3km and 250ml at 4km
9. likely sunburnt on the arms, shoulders, neck, face and ears
10. battled against current (of >2knots) on each return 500m stretch
11. my 1km lap average: 9min (first 500m) + 27min (next 500m)
12. finished in 12th position (out of 63 swimmers)
13. my timing... 2:58:55

Now i need a good massage... haha

Power Gel
I was occasionally recommending for the jet-ski guys to "get the message to the organisers/sponsors: bring the Power Gel sachets into the water, they swimmers would definitely love it!" Alas, i didn't see any brought in during my 3hrs.

If anyone involved in, or related to, the Singapore OWS is reading this, i highly recommend sponsoring Power Gels in-swim, similar to the water bottles given by the canoeists. Swimmers with no prior experience with Power Gels would definitely appreciate it halfway through their swim, and be bought on it.

Sleep-Deprived Driving

2008-10-02T00:48:00.001+08:00

Did you know about Sleep-Deprived Driving?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_Deprived_Driving

Cool... and scary! Experience it to know it...

Whale Shark "MY-010"

2008-09-28T03:14:00.000+08:00

Remember my Whale Shark encounter (see previous post) at Pulau Aur on 17 Aug 08? I submitted the photos and video of the encounter to the ECOCEAN Whale Shark Photo-Identification Library, contributing to the growing database of Whale Sharks which is "maintained and used by marine biologists in collecting and analysing Whale Shark encounter data to learn more about these amazing creatures".

I encourage all of you who have photos of separate Whale Shark sightings to submit your encounters at http://whaleshark.org/. Learn also which part of the Whale Shark to capture (photo/video) for positive and unique identification (Identification Area).

Whale Shark "MY-010"
My submission was the very first report of this Whale Shark and it has been catalogued "MY-010" (see Whale Shark MY-101). MY-010 probably means "10th uniquely identified Whale Shark reported in the region of Malaysia".

Scuba Dive Pulau Aur, 19-21 Sep 08

2008-09-23T19:52:00.003+08:00

Dramatic weekend at Pulau Aur:
Diving from dive boat "Fei-Lou" on Saturday,
Diving to the "Fei-Lou Wreck" on Sunday!

After the 3rd dive of the day, at 6pm on 20 Sep 08, divers were waiting to transfer from the wooden dive boat "Fei-Lou" to the dive resort ashore via a sampan when the bilge (compartments below the waterline) pump failed without warning. Upon discovering the flooding of the bilges, the dive staff immediately evacuated all personnel, cylinders and equipment, from Fei-Lou to the transfer sampan.

Within 2-3 minutes, Fei-Lou went under.

Photos courtesy of Phillipp Schmidt, photographed from the transfer sampan.

As a result of the professionalism of the staff, there was no panic and there were no injuries at all!

The next morning, the Open Water Divers visited the Fei-Lou Wreck as it was sitting pretty and upright at a depth of 14m. Here are the photos of the wreck and other photos from the diving weekend...

"Kiang" can already, don't "Gey Kiang"

2008-09-14T12:19:00.005+08:00

Justin couldn't log in to his wireless router although everyone else in the house could, so i offered to help since i was there for half-dinner and to watch soccer over wine... I attempted to "upgrade" Justin's wireless router and managed to make it so "upgraded" that no one could log in at all...?!
Then i spent the next three soccer matches (Liverpool-ManUnited, Blackburn-Arsenal, ManCity-Chelsea; 6 hours) trying to restore the original firmware (embedded software), to no avail...!

Moral of the story:
"Kiang" can already, don't "Gey Kiang"

Update (16 Sep 08)
I got Justin a brand new wireless router 'cos it was unfair to inconvenience him without Internet access while i sought a remedy to the problem i created... and the new wireless router works like a charm!
Today i went to the router service centre and they promptly solved it for me! The warranty was still valid, so they gave me a replacement set! What's more, the replacement router was a newer version than the faulty one...! SWEET!

Now a slight dilemma... I have a brand new Linksys Wireless-G Router (Model WRT54G2), still nice and unopened in its plastic shrink wrap for sale. It retails for $75 at Sim Lim and i'm hoping to sell it at $70.

Anyone wants/needs a wireless router?

Happy Birthday

2008-09-10T00:01:00.000+08:00

Incredible 2

2008-09-06T23:18:00.000+08:00

Foldover for lunch
Foldover for dinner
Run 2km around the estate
followed by 23 storeys (10 running, 13 walking)

...Incredible 2

Incredible

2008-08-31T07:37:00.002+08:00

I never expected. You'd never expect. I exercised.

I went to East Coast Park to run on Saturday night.
2010H Run 15min, Stretch and breathe for 5min, Run 15min (Approximately 5km)
Then i grabbed my laptop/wallet from the car,
Sat myself at McDonald's and enjoy a relaxed salad dinner,
Watched 2 episodes of Battlestar Galactica,
2230H Go home.

...Incredible.

Scuba Dive Pulau Aur, 22-24 Aug 08

2008-08-28T01:24:00.002+08:00

Would you skip/postpone diving just 'cos it's the 7th month in the Lunar calender? For these divers... "no way!"

On every weekend this month there were few divers but those who went diving certainly enjoyed it loads! Just take a peek at the happy divers in these photos from my last weekend up to Pulau Aur...

Happy diving y'all! Let's go Dive! Dive! Dive!

2008 2008

2008-08-20T17:48:00.001+08:00

Year 2008
Day 20 Month 08
...2008 2008

Just something random.

Dive LOB MV White Manta, 15-17 Aug 08

2008-08-19T00:51:00.016+08:00

Not even 4 minutes into our last dive of the weekend, while descending towards Pinnacle 1 at Pulau Aur, i look up and sight a shark-like silhouette. I sound the horn 'cos a shark had not yet been seen on this trip and i thought the others might be interested... then i look up again and "WHOA...! Isn't that... a.... WHALE SHARK?!"

My very first Whale Shark sighting! She was at least 10-15m long! The graceful sweeps of her tail propelled it so elegantly through the water with dozens of Remoras (and an unidentified fish) in company...

45 minutes of Whale Shark company!

See all photos & videos from my Whale Shark weekend!

Oh... and i was stung by a Lion'sMane Jellyfish (wrapped its extremely long tentacles around my legs) but the pain and irritation of the sting paled in comparison to the Whale Shark experience!

About Sharks

2008-07-31T06:29:00.004+08:00

Are sharks dangerous?
Do they really eat humans?
How about the Great White Shark (a la Jaws)?

Humans are NOT part of a shark's diet.
Sharks eat Seals, Fish and other marine animals...

Something meaningful: Save the sharks
Something meaningful 2: Save our seas

Scuba Dive Pulau Aur, 18-20 Jul 08

2008-07-26T22:31:00.003+08:00

Working weekend... but satisfying knowing i contributed to OW and AOWD divers' happiness.

Want to learn to dive?
Want to go diving with me?

Fundamentally...

2008-07-04T18:58:00.005+08:00

...are you happy?

Happy: delighted, pleased, or glad, as over a particular thing.

Moved in 16hrs

2008-06-29T23:11:00.000+08:00

Started in the morning with packing, then moving, then unpacking and cleaning, then rearranging everything a few times over, then setting up the electronics; all in 16 hours. Extremely tiring day.

The Airconditioning was out of order before the move, then the Washing Machine blew on the day of the move, then the Water Heater blew next to me while i was showering the day after the move.

At least i've gotten the Washing Machine and Water Heater replaced, need to await the replacement Airconditioning...

I've moved.

Dive LOB MV Samudera Quest, 18-20 Jun 08

2008-06-24T16:14:00.001+08:00

Canice invited me along for yet another Live On Board (LOB) aboard the MV Samudera Quest from 18 till 20 Jun 08, diving sites around Tioman over a weekend.

Here are the photos! Enjoy! =)

Dive Palau, LOB MV Eco Explorer, 2-10 May 2008

2008-06-15T00:41:00.001+08:00

Here are the long-awaited photos!

"Palau" when pronounced P'lau sounds like "Pulau Aur"

Accident

2008-06-12T01:07:00.001+08:00

One accident, private settlement, $1200 poorer.

Kena accident damn mafan... drive safe.

Irony:
I recieved the "new guidelines to motor insurance" the day before.

Scuba Dive Pulau Aur, 31 May - 1 Jun 08

2008-06-02T19:02:00.003+08:00

Last dive trip before my 4-month course begins... nice relaxing dives with excellent company and friendly Advanced Open Water students.

More photos!

Congratulations Advanced Open Water Divers!

Scuba Dive Pulau Aur, 23-25 May 08

2008-05-26T00:17:00.007+08:00

Yet another trip to Pulau Aur:
New friends made,
Useful skills learnt,
Exciting toys experimented,
Old habits refined...

DMT weekend this time, i was dive guide for Rescue (with distressed diver injects), Advanced and an Open Water group. It was a fulfilling and packed 8 dive weekend!

Here are the photos...

Want to go diving? Dive! Dive! Dive!

Shark's Fin

2008-05-16T22:42:00.002+08:00

Did you read that Shark's Fin article in the Straits Times last Sunday (12 May 08) about the increasing number of couples removing Shark's Fin from their wedding dinner menu? Would you do the same?

I bought the (original) Shark Water DVD because i feel it's a show with a noble cause and i'm going to share it with my friends and colleagues.

Did you know...?
1. Sharks' fins are cut off while the sharks are still alive, then the sharks are thrown back into the ocean to drown alive? Ain't that heart-breaking?
2. Sharks eat Fish, Fish eat Plankton, the vast amount of Plankton in the sea (which covers 70% of the earth) convert Carbon Dioxide to Oxygen which all creatures need to live.
3. If Sharks were killed in increasing numbers, the increasing number of Fish will eat more Plankton and there would be less Plankton to produce the Oxygen? At the same time, the increased Carbon Dioxide (greenhouse gas) would accelerate global warming and raise sea levels and... (the list goes on).

I've decided to stay away from Shark's Fin and I hope you do too.

If you'd like to borrow the Shark Water DVD from me, i'd gladly lend it to you, or you could get a copy of your own at a local music/video store.

Scuba Dive Pulau Aur, 25-27 Apr 08

2008-04-29T23:38:00.006+08:00

First dive trip as Dive Master Trainee (DMT)... assisting with the carrying of gears/tanks, administration and the miscellenous stuff. It was a good learning experience assisting with the Open Water Diver students, and of course getting to know new friends.

Here's the photos!

Dive! Dive! Dive!

Dive LOB MV Seaborne, 11-13 Apr 08

2008-04-29T23:28:00.008+08:00

-overdue post-

Canice invited me along for a Live On Board (LOB) aboard the MV Seaborne from 11 till 13 Apr 08, diving sites around Tioman over a weekend. I made new friends and enjoyed myself thoroughly... LOB = "No-Hardship Diving"

Here are the photos! Enjoy! =)

Also used my new Deep Sea Supply Kydex Backplate BCD for the first time... I declare it an "Excellent Buy"!

Water Polo cont'd

2008-04-16T00:25:00.002+08:00

We lost the third game and drew the last game.

Edging out the 4th placed team on goal difference, we finished 3rd (of 5 teams).

The very next day i attempted IPPT and got a "Pass". Next date to aim for "Gold" (Gold? Yeah right)... 22 April. Try very very hard.

Water Polo

2008-04-08T22:57:00.002+08:00

Never tried it before, today first 2 games.

It's physical, intense and really tough...

We lost the first game 4-1, but won the next game 3-0.

Another two games tomorrow, maybe we'll get a good result and finish 3rd (of 5).

Hysterics

2008-04-04T23:13:00.001+08:00

When a man and a woman get into an argument...
The woman = hysterical, then she goes historical;
The man = history.

Just me.

2008-03-31T23:25:00.000+08:00

It's just me... and the things i've bought.

Thanx for everything.

Baby Steps: Step 3

2008-03-30T22:20:00.003+08:00

Purchase your equipment, bit by bit.
Take baby steps... Step 3, Bouyancy Compensator Device (BCD).

Deep Sea Supply; Kydex Back Plate BCD

Yet another beauty.

Scuba Dive at Pulau Perhentian, 20-23 Mar 08

2008-03-29T18:26:00.001+08:00

A long weekend enticed us to endure the supposed 10 hour bus ride up to Terengganu... but the heightened security checks and a lost bus driver lengthened the ride to almost 13 hours!

We thought the diving would be perfect, but alas there was the indomitable Lion Dancer aka Sandstorm Trooper! But that was the topic of the trip and this trip will forever be remembered by it.

Diving at Perhentian was nice (on the second day) and we would return to the island some time in the future... if only for the dive sites Tokong Laut and Sugar Wreck.

Beware the Lion Dancer aka Sandstorm Troopers!

Dank's Title Banner

2008-03-20T00:18:00.005+08:00

I need some help... Which do you prefer?

School of Yellowtail Barracuda

Pygmy Seahorse

School of Yellowtail Barracuda (Sepia)

Help me choose one?

Scuba Dive at Pulau Aur, 7-9 Mar 08

2008-03-11T23:34:00.001+08:00

Realised i haven't updated on our first dive of the 2008 dive season!

We went to Pulau Aur on the opening weekend of the 2008 dive season, where the waters were choppy and seasickness visited some divers... but it was well worth it for our first taste of nitrogen for the year (at least for me)!

Congratulations also to the 9 Open Water Divers attained their qualifications! Not forgetting my very first Nitrox dives with with Nitrox32 and Nitrox 40; an enriching experience! Haha!

Here's the photos you've been waiting for...

More Diving to come!

Baby Steps: Step 2

2008-03-01T22:54:00.004+08:00

Purchase your equipment, bit by bit.
Take baby steps... Step 2, Regulator.

ScubaPro Mk25/S600; First/Second Stage
ScubaPro R190; Octopus
ScubaPro Compact 2-in-1; Gauge (Pressure/Depth)

What a beauty.

Singapore Biathlon 2008

2008-02-29T22:29:00.010+08:00

Dank wishes all participants of Singapore Biathlon 2008 an enjoyable swim and healthy run tomorrow!
...and hopes he doesn't collapse from exhaustion.

Updates to follow, ~~if he survives~~ he survived.

It was a cool 1 March morning with a slight drizzle,
A crowd of approximately 2400 participants,
Many many supporters,
The trusty working party from SAFRA and RSN,
and Participant #8027: Dank...

...Finisher of Singapore Biathlon 2008: 1.5km Swim, 10km Run.

0h 33m 37s - Swim Time
1h 04m 25s - Run Time
Total Time = 1h 38m 02s
Race Rank = 600

Baby Steps: Step 1

2008-02-20T21:23:00.005+08:00

Visit the shop, select your course and pay up. Done.

Enriched Air Diving Course

I've read through the manual and figured out the various tables for diving with Enriched Air Nitrogen-Oxygen (Nitrox)... now i'm ready for the theory test and some Nitrox diving.

Can't wait to escape into the diving world..

Blood Donation

2008-02-06T11:49:00.000+08:00

Do you donate blood?
Have you ever donated blood?

It's quite simple really...

1) Fill in the pre-donation forms then 2) proceed to register

3) Wait your turn then 4) go for a simple health assessment

5) Let your blood flow to save lives!

We Donated Our Blood!

Can you donate? To find out about the restrictions and more about Blood Donation, visit the Health Sciences Authority Blood Donation website (here).

PADI Master Scuba Diver

2008-02-02T18:16:00.000+08:00

Anyone interested in taking up 5 PADI Specialty Diver qualifications and become a PADI Master Scuba Diver? More details here.

Specialty Diver courses:
PADI Digital Underwater Photography
PADI Underwater Naturalist
PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy
PADI Fish Identification
PADI Enriched Air Diving

I'm game to complete this before end-May 2008. Join me?

DIVE! DIVE! DIVE!

Been wanting to talk about... Trains.

2008-01-26T14:26:00.000+08:00

If you ran a Train company, how would you raise profits?
Hypothetically...

1. Raise Train fares
...because everyone else is raising prices
...passengers have little choice but continue riding the Train
...simply raise $0.05 per passenger x 1 million passengers per day
= $50,000/day = $1,500,000/month! (low estimate)

2. Schedule the Trains to the arrive at the "optimal frequency"
...saves on operating, maintenance and depreciation costs
...each train is packed 95% full for maximum revenue (peak hours)
...passengers are sardined because they have to get to work

3. Lower the air-conditioning to the "optimal coolness"
...significantly lower power consumption saves on electrical bills
...passengers feel warm and uncomfortable
...but not warm enough to complain
...or complaints are at acceptable levels

4. Influence/Instigate a Taxi/Bus fare hike
...less people in Taxis and Buses mean more people in your Trains
...add 0.9 Trains for every 1 passenger increase (see para 2)

I'm just thinking about this hypothetically, IF i ran a Train company.
No names mentioned, no hints dropped, and any relation to persons or organisations existing or defunct/dead are purely coincidental and unintended.

Check out Train passengers' thoughts around the world:
zm the studious bloke (link)
Mr Brown (link)

Imagine this Train ride on your way to work...

Cool eh?

The Replacement

2008-01-23T22:26:00.000+08:00

Finally bought the replacement camera with the payment of $500 from the insurance claim. Camera of choice? Canon IXUS 860 IS.

It is the bigger brother of my lost Canon IXUS 850 IS, with all the same wonderful features and a little more. I can re-use the battery charger and the spare batteries that i already had.

Ok, enough advertising... i'll just let the photographs speak for themselves after my dives. Stay tuned for the ("exceptionally inspiring") photographs!

Weekend Dive Trip at Pulau Aur!

2008-01-20T11:44:00.000+08:00

Take Open Water Course, Advanced Open Water Course, other dive upgrading courses, or go for Leisure Dives at Pulau Aur, Malayisa!

Open Water Course
Includes lessons, study material, certification, equipment, transport, food and lodging.
Lessons are on Mon-Wed before the chosen dive weekend.
Mon: 6-9pm Theory Lesson/Test,
Tue: 6-9pm Pool Practical Session,
Wed: 6-9pm Pool Practical Session,
Fry-Sun: Open Water Dives at Pulau Aur.
Total 5 day dives.

Advanced Open Water Course
Includes lesson material, certification, equipment, transport, food and lodging.
No lessons in Singapore but you are expected to study the Advanced OW material before the weekend dive trip.
Total 5 day dives and 1 night dive.

Leisure Dives
Includes transport, food and lodging.
Equipment approx $50 (BC, Reg, Wetsuit, Mask/Snorkel, Fin).
Total 5 day dives and 1 night dive (Advanced Divers and above only).

Standard Weekend Itinerary
Fryday
7pm Bus ride (4hrs) to Mersing
~~Stay overnight (approx 6hrs of sleep) in a Mersing hostel~~
Boat ride (3-4hrs) to Pulau Aur then sleep
Saturday
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner provided at Pulau Aur
3 day dives at Pulau Aur
1 night dive at Pulau Aur (Advanced Divers only)
Sunday
2 day dives at Pulau Aur
Breakfast and Lunch provided at Pulau Aur
3pm Ferry ride (2hrs) to Mersing
5pm Bus ride (4hrs) to Singapore
9pm arrive Lavender MRT

Learn diving with your friends, go for a short weekend getaway with fellow diver friends, or make new friends through the 48 hours, away from the hustle-and-bustle of Singapore!

First weekend trip 7-9 March 2008.
I'm going... Want to join me? Call/SMS me!
Confirm attendance before 28 Jan (incl $100 deposit) for $50 off!

Still considering?
Check out my dive trips to Aur last year for a better idea of what you can expect!
June 2007
My Friends' Open Water Course, a Leisure Dive trip for me.
Photographs in my Flickr account, Jun 2007 (photos Jun 07)
Previous post on the Lessons (lessons) and the Trip (weekend trip)
October 2007
Rescue Diver Course for me.
Photographs in my Flickr account (photos Oct 07)
Previous post on the Trip (weekend trip)

For understanding and clarification:
i am not earning cash commission from organising this course/trip for you. I am in no way affiliated to the dive operator, but in the future (if) after i attain my Certification i may then decide to work as a freelance DiveMaster for them. Digression: If you think i did a good job, let me know so that i can consider organising/coordinating more such trips to boost my ego (and go on more dives); if i didn't do a good job, give me feedback so i know if i should stop torturing other divers-to-be. =)

2008

2008-01-07T01:54:00.000+08:00

1. Work on the first day of the new year.

2. Newest Ad from the Republic of Singapore Navy:

Your comments please.

3. Iran decides to be naughty:
In one radio transmission, the Iranians told the U.S. Navy: "I am coming at you. You will explode in a couple of minutes," the U.S. military officials told CNN. (CNN link)

Dive Bunaken

2008-01-06T00:01:00.000+08:00

26-31 December 2007,
Flew Silkair Singapore to Manado,
Stayed at the Hotel Santika in Manado,
Dive Operator was Thalassa Dive Center,
13 dives through 10 sites at Bunaken.

The diving was good, the company was great, but i lost my dive camera on the very first dive! I lost my photos of the transit and a group of fun-loving kids jumping off the Thalassa jetty, then I borrowed a camera from my DiveMaster. However his camera was really old and the battery charge lasted at most 7 flash photos, or 10-plus non-flash photos. Frustrating to say the least, especially with all the nice things on display!

Anyways... here are some of the photos:

Enjoy!

Moviemaniac

2007-12-25T22:18:00.000+08:00

Recently i've had the pleasure of enjoying a few good shows... almost one a fortnight!

I Am Legend (link)
Caught it today; a very interesting watch. The show definitely lives up to the trailers' suspense and ambiguity. You're kept at the edge of your seat most of the time with the rollercoaster feelings, and i liked the ending.

Good Luck Chuck (link)
Entertaining. Very entertaining. Most excellent romantic comedy in recent times. Highly recommended.

Click (link)
Although it's more than a year old, i only watched it now and it made a lot of sense to me. Adam Sandler gets to show us the effects of life's choices when it's lop-sided towards work; is it worth it?
Extremely relevant in our workaholic lives... go rent the DVD!

Note:
If you're watching a movie in the cinema, i'd advise going to more grown-up hang-outs (e.g. Vivocity). Kids and Teens tend to be lousy cinema crowd: they don't bother that their every leg movement against the seat in front (which you are in) is irritating the occupier, they like to comment on every bit of the show as if they were the only ones in the theatre, they have the rudeness to answer their phone calls in the cinema, they arrive 10 minutes into the show and act as if it's their right to be late, etc. Such inconsiderate behaviour.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T00:47:00.000+08:00

Thanx for being a regular here at my blog... although it's mostly boring stuff about this boring guy, you're still here to get updated on my life. I feel appreciated. =)

Merry Christmas to all!

Road Rage... almost.

2007-12-16T01:05:00.000+08:00

While driving back from dinner today, on the AYE, a van driver made my day...

Uncourteous Road Act 1.
Lack of Road Courtesy first demonstrated when he switched lanes without signalling, directly behind me, causing the vehicles behind and beside him to jam on their brakes and swerve dangerously to avoid this bugger. At this point i commented on his irresponsible action... who knew he'd prove me correct in the next few minutes?

Uncourteous Road Act 2.
I needed to filter left to enter the AYE, so i signalled left and waited for the bus beside me to get ahead so i could switch lanes behind the bus. I slowed and filtered left but this van was behind the bus and I would've gladly let him get ahead but the slip road into the AYE was just a bus-length away. Guess what? The van sped up, attempting to cut me off! I switched lanes behind the bus and filtered onto the AYE while that unruly van high-beamed me. What next?

Uncourteous Road Act 3.
Unruly van decides he's a souped up van (ie: darn fast boxed rally car) and tries to overtake my Humble-B. Right... -roll eyes-
Of course, i decided to reciprocate, the difference being me knowing i had the soup to stir his sh*t as opposed to his rally-wannabe. Hands down!

Uncourteous Road Act 4.
Over the next few kilometres, from Keppel flyover till Rochor Exit, this van cuts left and right, overtaking car after car... He must've been trying to prove he's got lots of money to burn on fuel.

We were wondering if he'd follow us out to our exit, get down at the traffic light and bring out his baseball bat... haha! He got lost in the crowd of cars somewhere before the KPE Exit. Amusing episode.

If you're a lane-switching non-signaller, a weaver or a everything-also-high-beam driver, shame on you!

My appreciation to kind and courteous drivers; please keep up the good attitude!

RH Talent

2007-12-06T23:32:00.000+08:00

Such talent in RH!
This annual event, albeit in varying forms, was conceptualised some hundreds of moons ago by their predecessors; us.

Enjoy!

Their VidComm and BOP also darn high quality lah!

Hitman - 47

2007-12-01T23:10:00.000+08:00

Lots of guns,
lots of killing,
one pretty babe with nice boobs, and
one smooth assassin who's chill about those boobs..

http://www.hitmanmovie.com/

Good show.

4 hours 35 minutes

2007-12-01T11:32:00.000+08:00

0130H-0245H on Thursday morning
and
0310H-0630H on Fryday morning
...number of hours slept from Wednesday till Fryday.

Exhausted and zombiefied to the point of feeling i'm-tired-but-too-tired-to-feel-sleepy-anymore. System requires reset over the weekend.

Photos will not follow.

For Sale

2007-11-26T23:52:00.000+08:00

SOLD!

Anyone wants, or knows anyone, who wants to buy a motorbike?

Mileage: 40000
Plate No: FX 19**
Price: $2.5k

Payment (Cash/COI): Cash
Road Tax expiry date: 01 Nov 2008
COE expiry date: August 2013
No. of owners: 02
Accessories: Hazard Lights, E-horn, Eagle Foot Rest, Crashbar, Givi Side Box, Givi Rear Box (can fit 2 full-faced helmets), Alarm System.
Remarks: Regular (every 2000km) servicing at Ah Koon's. Recently changed both tyres.

=)

Very Creative

2007-11-23T00:20:00.000+08:00

Especially for gamers, this is really good.

Enjoy...

Survived: There and Back

2007-11-21T23:16:00.000+08:00

Flew to Dubai with the boss' boss' boss' boss,
did some official work stuff,
stayed a total of 27hrs,
flew back.

It went well and smoothly.
It's back to work in a few hours.
-yawn-

Dinner with them...

2007-11-10T00:47:00.000+08:00

It was a good dinner. Good music, good ambience, good drinks, good eye candy, good company.

Thanx guys. We'll do this again sometime, next time someone else will buy dinner and drinks.

Apologies to those not invitied this time around, you'll be invited next time! =)

Happy Birthday Perle!

2007-11-04T15:26:00.000+08:00

Think you changed your number, didn't know how else to wish you Happy Birthday, so just publicise it.

Hope all is well...!
=)

I Dozed at Work Today...

2007-10-29T22:56:00.000+08:00

Because I slept at 1am.
Because I woke at 5am in the middle of a tragic nightmare.
Because I went back to bed and woke again at 530am.
Because I woke at 550am and decided not to go back again...

Standing on the top of my office building, i hold a few machine guns and fire across to the other building, deliberately aiming at the occupants on the other side. After popping a few of them, and rather accurately at that, i wake at 5am. Checking the time on my watch and realising it's ONLY 5am, i close my eyes and hope the story doesn't continue...

To my dismay i continue popping people from the other building, then i realise there are four of them setting up their sophisticated rifles... sniping rifles! Upon sighting them four, I surrendered, and woke, this time it was 530am. Going back to sleep, the story continued...

My guys and I were rounded up and one of them cried about his innocence and that he was acting on my directions.

I woke at 550am and didn't go back to sleep.