Elliptical Cross Trainer e820

Today, i finally decided to buy the Elliptical Cross Trainer e820. To train in the morning and on days that rain so heavy that i cannot go for my usual running at night.

Specifications:

• 6kg flywheel magnetic system to offer extremely smooth, frictionless movement and silent operation.
• 3 pedal position to offer different moving stroke.
• 4 choice pedal arm length to provide different moving track.
• Pulse sensor which reads heart rate.
• 15 levels of magnetic resistance.
• Large LCD shows scan, time, calories, distance, speed, RPM, recovery and pulse.
• Generous striding area with movable handles for a total body workout.
• Build in transport wheels for easy storage.
• Dimensions: 1080mm (L), 525mm (W)

Tripwow - Hokkaido 2009

Very cool tool. Tried making a video on my hokkaido trip back in 2009.

Hokkaido 2009 Slideshow: Willie’s trip from Singapore to 10 cities Sapporo, Chino, Narita, Haneda (near Ota, Tokyo, Japan), Furano, Asahikawa, Chitose, Otaru, Toyako Onsen and Shiraoi-gun was created by TripAdvisor. See another Japan slideshow. Create a free slideshow with music from your travel photos.

5th week

Seems like i am approaching a plateau, it just keeps fluctuating around there.

Blackberry Not working

Heres an example of taking words literally

Test Driving SLK200

Got tempted again, to get the SLK200. So i went to test drive a possible buy, but to my disappointment again, it has extremely bad pickup. And when you step the accelerator too far in, the feet can't seem to reach that deep. Also the brakes are spongy, so spongy that feels even worse than my old vios. May need to change to a steel brake hose if anyone gets it.

The second thing about this test drive was a terrible creaking sound when you corner sharply, not too sure if something was just rolling around in the car, but it seems to come from the roof, so i am guessing it is some vario roof mechanism that is loose.

Nice Built, but performance needs more punch

Also it comes in Midnight Blue, not a color i would match with the SLK. It just does not bring out the class of Merc-Benz.

Overall, i will either go for the SLK280, SLK300 or SLK350, which boosts a V6 engine for that extra kick. Or just wait for the 2011/2012 SLK Series to come out and decide again.

4th Week

Finally its on its way back down.

New SLK leak promo video

Finally a real view of the car. I love it. Used to think i the current SLK that takes the nose of the mclaren is nicer. But now this SLS baby looks good too.



Can't wait to get it when it comes out.. provided COE falls back to its 10-20k range...

Javier's so cute

Javier, my little nephew is so cute. Got some pictures of him during our last outing. He is just so cheerful and adorable.

Willie, the song

Lyrics to the song in my name:

Performed by: Cat Power

Willie

willie deadwilder and rebecca
they knew that they loved one another
gonna have a real good time
no more sad sad bad times
it's all they've been waiting for
someon to knock at the door

willie was shot once in his mind
and his cry out saved his own life
the second time was through the heart
the doctors pulled the bullet from inside
he had a job to do he said
that's his way of life

please don't bring him down
please don't let him go
he's on the same side as you
he's just a little behind

i tell ya there are some people living alone
i tell ya there are some people with nowhere to go
there are some people who don't believe in love
but willie and rebecca prove 'em all wrong

a man named john wrote a song for me to sing
and the most beautiful flowers i have ever seen
he is a very good man
and he has been an even very good man to me
i hope one day his song i will sing
another love i still love
familiar face to me
a standing arch above my heart

i've never been to reach
he's laid my head on the bed
and told me sweetly i am not
crazy like all the others said
no he's not crazy like me

please don't bring me down
please don't let me go
my heart is a worried thing
memories have planted seeds of a field i now
want to reap and sow
i'm on the same side as you
i'm just a little bit behind

Blast from the past

This is to motivate you.... Lose more weight!!!

Mitsubishi vs Proton

Saw this on a forum thread, pretty funny:

Komodo Dragon (Starbucks)

Very nice earthy, herbal taste. Goes great with sandwiches.

My Rating: 4.5 / 5

* Based on dripped coffee maker

3rd Week

Awful week, had lots of days without running. And drinking and stuff... So bloody disappointed in myself.

2nd week

So fast 2nd week already, hope my chart will gradually go down even more ;D

Forbes List of Ugliest Car 2010

Forbes has release the list of the ugliest cars for 2010:

Honda Accord Cross Tour

This does not look that bad right?

Nissan Cube

No need to defend this. Its really UGLY.

Chevrolet HHR

Not my cup of tea either

Honda Element

Doesn't look that bad right. Well Goods vehicle it is...

Ford Flex

Its ok if i am running a business..

Mazda RX8

Totally dun agree on this. where are your eyes.... they choose a sutpid looking picture and featured it... damn fools

Acura ZDX

Another car that does not look bad... but these ppl seem quite blinded...

Overall, i can draw a conclusion about ppl at forbes. They hate Japanese and American Cars. Looks damn biased to me...

Receive and Forward Postal Service

How hard can this be. Well it appears to be super expensive in some cases.

I got a shock when vPOST (which i have always used) charged me 52 SGD for sending my package to me from the US.

Scenario, my package:

Volmetric Weight : 4.7 kg    Actual Weight : 2.1 kg

Dimension : 47.0X 36.0X 14.0 cm

Hence i shall try to get some quotes for each of the known Service provider out there is see which does it at the best rates.

Vendor	Cost
VIAddress	4-6 Days - SGD 46.96 * 2-3 Days - SGD 55.24 *
Borderlinx	4-6 Days - SGD 48.93 * 2-3 Days - SGD 65.01*
VPOST	S$47.52 (including 10% discount)
Comgateway	5-8 Days -  SGD 49.96* 3-4 Days - SGD 59.71*

* Converted amount is subjected to Credit Card Transaction Charges.

Hmmm now i know my unhappiness is unfounded.... The cost for shipping at VPOST is not that bad. Just that it takes a long time for their package to arrive.

Bus Lane timing in singapore

Singapore Bus Lanes are so troublesome, wanna find info, also no proper source.

Anyway ultimately i managed to find it, so i better note it down in case i lose it again.

2 types, Continuous Yellow Line and Continuous Red Line:

Continuous Yellow Line (Limited Timing)

Days	Time
Monday to Fridays	7.30 am to 9.30 am
	5.00 pm to 8.00 pm
Saturdays	NA

Continuous Red Line (Full Day)

Days	Timing	Location
Mondays to Saturdays	7.30am to 8.00 pm	1) Eu Tong Sen Street (from Outram Road to River Valley Road , towards Kallang Road ) 2) Hill Street (from River Valley Road to Bras Basah Road , towards Kallang Road ) 3) Victoria Street (from Bras Basah Road to Lavender Street , towards Kallang Road ) 4) Bras Basah Road (from Prinsep Street to Beach Road ) 5) Somerset Road / Penang Road (from Clemenceau Avenue to Orchard Turn) 6) Orchard Road (from Scotts Road to Handy Road)

Greddy Emanage Ultimate Error

As I was driving on Saturday, i noticed my EMU giving a red flash. And I did a check on the manual and found that I have warning messages.

Got in touch with Jameson, who had the software to extract the logs. He got the above out for me.

He did a preliminary diagnosis for me, I have 2 problems:

• VTEC should not be managed under Greddy
• Connection could be loose

Does not seem like serious problems so i guess I wont fix it yet.

1st Week

After watching my food intake and combine with cardio (running) and strength training.

This is my results in terms of weight for the first week.

Cafe Estima (Starbucks)

Very normal tasting coffee. Has a weird after smell.

My Rating: 3 / 5

* Based on dripped coffee maker

Aibi Weight Bench

Just committed myself a B-1001 Heavy Duty Premier Weight Bench.

It looks so much more stable with the over sized tubings supports. The weight bar safety hooks can be used to secure the bar when changing the weight plates, so that it does not topple. The cushion is much thicker than the one i got before.

Allows for squats, leg/hamstring curls, presses and situps.

If i go for the optional items, I can even do Lat Pulls and Preacher curls. These items and the leg extension component stores away nicely on the back. Looking forward to getting them, when the stock comes in.

Specifications

• Optional B-1002 Lat Pull
• Optional B-1003 Arm Curl
• Heavy Duty Oversized Tubing
• Seat Adjustable (0°, 10°, 20°)
• Backrest Angle (-10° to +70°)
• Compact Storage
• Non-Pinch Weight Crutches
• Weight Bar Safety Hooks
• Heavy Duty Foam Roll Pads
• High Density Foam Pads

Favourite Car of the Moment (Nissan Fairlady 370Z)

A little something i captured during the formula one drift in Singapore.

Singapore License No Generator

I written a license number checksum generator, just input the chunk of the licence number as the first argument, then generate:

public class LicenceGenerator {
/**
* @Licence number
*/

public static void main(String[] args) {
   String in = args[0] +"";
   System.out.println("License Number: " + args[0] + generateChecksum(in));
}

private static String generateChecksum(String input){
   /*Logic:
   * The checksum letter is calculated by converting the letters into a number,
   * i.e. where A=1 and Z=26, giving 7 individual numbers from each registration plate.
   * SBA 1234 would therefore give 19, 2, 1, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
   * Each individual number is then multiplied by 7 fixed numbers.
   * These are added up, then divided by 19.
   * The remainder corresponds to one of the 19 letters used (A B C D E G H J K L M P R S T U X Y Z).
   * In the case of SBA 1234, the final letter should be a T.
   */


   char[] charvalarr = input.toUpperCase().toCharArray();
   int totalSum = 0;

   for(int i=1; i< charvalarr.length; i++){
      int charval = charvalarr[i]-64;

      if (charval < 0){
         charval = Integer.parseInt(charvalarr[i]+"");
      }

      charval = charval * constarr[i];
      totalSum += charval;
   }

   int finalchecksumVal = totalSum%19;
   return checksum[finalchecksumVal] +"";

}

   static final char[] checksum = {'A','Z','Y','X','U','T','S','R','P','M','L','K','J','H','G','E','D','C','B'};
   static final int[] constarr= {0,9,4,5,4,3,2};

}

Sulawesi (Starbucks)

Nice robust flavor, wonderful aroma. Low Acidity and Great with milk.

My Rating: 4.5 / 5

* Based on dripped coffee maker

Zaino Z-6, Z-7 & Z-8

After seeing the wonderful results i am getting from first auto. My confidence in the Zaino products are boosted a whole damn lot. Anyway, because i recently do my own regular washing of my cars, i went to purchase the zaino products to keep my shine there in between my monthly polishing trips to first auto detail centre.

Step 1: Washing with Z-7

The Z-7 is actually a car wash. It is supposed to be able to remove all except your Zaino layers. I think they may have over sold its effectiveness in removing stains. After the wash, i still have some stains on the car. Despite this, it gives a nice shine after washing with the Z-7. This gives alot of foam compared to my previous brand of car shampoo. Making the car washing a little more fun ;P

Step 2: cover with a layer of Z-6

Z-6 is meant to be a Clean Gloss Enhancer Spray, it enhances the polish shine after the wash.

Those stains that cannot be gotten rid of on the Z-7, is easily removed with a layer of this wonder spray.

Step 3: Seal with a layer of Z-8

The Z-8, i.e. a grand finale spray seal, is really expensive at S$40++, but its all worth it when you see the results of the Z-8 over your car. Makes the job look and feel shinier, deeper, glossier and slicker. After a layer of this, the rain that falls on your car will just bead and roll over the surface, making washing less necessary and easier on the next time.

Overall, the products are damn superb. But i got a feeling it makes me nauseous after breathing in a whole bunch of it. Could be dangerous?! Maybe i should wear a face mask. =D

Can get the products from:

AUTO RAGE PTE LTD

Telephone : (65) 6515 9100

Fax : (65) 6515 9200

Address : 18 Boon Lay Way #07-96, Tradehub21, Singapore 609966

List of more affordable (Auto) cars

My wife complaint that my previous list was too expensive... so now i went back to get slightly more affordable and economical choices.

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo 159 2.2 Selespeed Quadrifoglio Verde (A)

Price Tag: S$129,800

Power: 185 bhp

Fuel Consumption : 10.8km/L

Engine Capacity: 2,198 cc

Engine Type: 4-cylinders in-line 16-valves JTS direct injection Twin phaser

Audi

Audi A3 Sportback 1.6 S-tronic (A) (Parallel Imported)

Price Tag: S$116,000

Power: 102bhp

Fuel Consumption : 14.9km/L

Engine Capacity: 1,595 cc

Engine Type: 4-cylinders in-line

Audi A3 Sportback 1.8 TFSI S-tronic (A)

Price Tag: S$150,800

Power: 160bhp

Fuel Consumption : 13km/l

Engine Capacity: 1,798 cc

Engine Type: 4-cylinders in-line 16-valves DOHC Turbocharged

Audi A4 2.0 TFSI Multitronic (A) (Parallel Importers)

Price Tag: S$158,000

Power: 211bhp

Fuel Consumption : 13.8km/L

Engine Capacity: 1,984 cc

Engine Type: 4-cylinders in-line

BMW

BMW 1 Series Hatchback 120i M-Sport 5dr (A)

Price Tag: S$156,800

Power: 156bhp

Fuel Consumption : 12.8km/L

Engine Capacity: 1,955 cc

Engine Type: 4-cylinder in-line

BMW X1 sDrive18i (A) (Parallel Imported)

Price Tag: S$153,000

Power: 150bhp

Fuel Consumption : 11.9km/l

Engine Capacity: 1,995 cc

Engine Type: 4-cylinders in-line

Chevrolet

Chevrolet Epica 2.0 SS (A)

Price Tag: S$101,999

Power: 143bhp

Fuel Consumption : 10.8km/L

Engine Capacity: 1,993 cc

Engine Type: 6-cylinders in-line DOHC

Citroen

Citroen C5 2.0 Confort (A)

Price Tag: S$119,988

Power: 143bhp

Fuel Consumption : 11.2km/l

Engine Capacity: 1,997 cc

Engine Type: 4-cylinders in-line 16-valves DOHC

Fiat

Fiat Bravo 1.4 T-Jet Dynamic Panoramic Roof (A)

Price Tag: S$119,900

Power: 150bhp

Fuel Consumption : 14.9km/l

Engine Capacity: 1,368 cc

Engine Type: 16-valves Turbocharged

Ford

Ford Mondeo 2.3 Trend 4dr (A)

Price Tag: S$122,999

Power: 161bhp

Fuel Consumption : 10.7km/l

Engine Capacity: 2,261 cc

Engine Type: 4-cylinders 16-valves DOHC

Honda

Honda CRV 2.0 (A)

Price Tag: S$131,900

Power: 150bhp

Fuel Consumption : 11.9km/L

Engine Capacity: 1,997 cc

Engine Type: 4-cylinders in-line 4-strokes SOHC i-VTEC

Honda CRZ Hybrid 1.5 Beta (A) (Parallel Imported)

Price Tag: S$112,000

Power: 113bhp

Fuel Consumption : 18.1km/L

Engine Capacity: 1,495 cc

Engine Type: 4-cylinders SOHC i-VTEC

Honda Civic 1.8 VTi-S (A)

Price Tag: S$106,900

Power: 140bhp

Fuel Consumption : 13.8km/L

Engine Capacity: 1,799 cc

Engine Type: 4-strokes 16-valves SOHC i-VTEC

Hyundai

Hyundai Avante 1.6 S (A)

Price Tag: S$80,999

Power: 121bhp

Fuel Consumption : 14.9km/l

Engine Capacity: 1,591 cc

Engine Type: DOHC CVVT

Hyundai i45 2.0 (A)

Price Tag: S$106,999

Power: 165bhp

Fuel Consumption : 13.3km/L

Engine Capacity: 1,998 cc

Engine Type: 4-cylinders in-line 16-valves DOHC

Kia

Kia Cerato Forte Koup2.0 SX (A)

Price Tag: S$91,999

Power: 156bhp

Fuel Consumption : 12.8km/L

Engine Capacity: 1,998 cc

Engine Type: 4-cylinders 16-valves

Kia Sportage 2.0 EX (A)

Price Tag: S$101,999

Power: 166bhp

Fuel Consumption : 11.5km/l

Engine Capacity: 1,998 cc

Engine Type: 4-cylinders DOHC dual CVVT

Lexus

Lexus IS250 2.5 (A) FL

Price Tag: S$167,000

Power: 205bhp

Fuel Consumption : 11.1km/l

Engine Capacity: 2,500 cc

Engine Type: V6 24-valves Dual VVT-i

Mazda

Mazda RX8 1.3 6-speed (A) (Parallel Imported)

Price Tag: S$123,000

Power: 215bhp

Fuel Consumption : 8.2km/l

Engine Capacity: 1,308 cc

Engine Type: Renesis 2 x rotor water cooled rotary

Mazda MX5 2.0 Hardtop (A) (Parallel Imported)

Price Tag: S$130,000

Power: 168bhp

Fuel Consumption : 12.3km/l

Engine Capacity: 1,998 cc

Engine Type: 4-cylinders in-line 16-valves DOHC

Mini

MINI Cooper S 1.6 (A)

Price Tag: S$144,800

Power: 175bhp

Fuel Consumption : 13.1km/L

Engine Capacity: 1,598 cc

Engine Type: 4-cylinders in-line 16-valves Turbocharger

MINI Cooper 1.6 Loft (A)

Price Tag: S$116,800

Power: 120bhp

Fuel Consumption : 14.9km/l

Engine Capacity: 1,598 cc

Engine Type: 4-cylinders in-line 16-valves

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz A-Class A180 (A)

Price Tag: S$130,888

Power: 116bhp

Fuel Consumption : 14.4km/l

Engine Capacity: 1,699cc

Engine Type: 4-cylinders in-line

Mercedes-Benz C-Class C180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY (A)

Price Tag: S$149,888

Power: 156bhp

Fuel Consumption : 13.5km/l

Engine Capacity: 1,597 cc

Engine Type: 4-cylinder in-line

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 G (A)

Price Tag: S$116,988

Power: 150bhp

Fuel Consumption : 13.2km/L

Engine Capacity: 1,998 cc

Engine Type: 4-cylinders 16-valves DOHC

Remarks : Free 5yr Service + 5yr Unlimited Warranty

Nissan

Nissan Teana 200 XL (A)

Price Tag: S$134,300

Power: 136bhp

Fuel Consumption : 10.9km/L

Engine Capacity: 1,997cc

Engine Type: 4-cylinders in-line DOHC

Nissan Juke 1.6 DIG-T (A)

Price Tag: S$122,300

Power: 190bhp

Fuel Consumption : 13km/L

Engine Capacity: 1,618 cc

Engine Type: 4-cylinders in-line DOHC

Nissan Qashqai +2 2.0 (A)

Price Tag: S$127,300

Power: 138bhp

Fuel Consumption : 12.1km/L

Engine Capacity: 1,997 cc

Engine Type: 4-cylinders in-line DOHC

Opel

Opel Insignia 2.0 (A)

Price Tag: S$149,888

Power: 220bhp

Fuel Consumption : 10.4km/L

Engine Capacity: 1,998 cc

Engine Type: 4-cylinders 16-valves Turbocharged

Peugeot

Peugeot 207 1.6 Sport 5dr (A)

Price Tag: S$91,900

Power: 120bhp

Fuel Consumption : 14.2km/L

Engine Capacity: 1,598 cc

Engine Type: 4-cylinders in-line 16-valves DOHC

Peugeot 207CC 1.6 (A)

Price Tag: S$119,900

Power: 120bhp

Fuel Consumption : 13.8km/L

Engine Capacity: 1,598 cc

Engine Type: 4-cylinders in-line 16-valves DOHC

Volvo

Volvo C30 2.0 (A)

Price Tag: S$155,000

Power: 145bhp

Fuel Consumption : 12.3km/L

Engine Capacity: 1,999 cc

Engine Type: 4-cylinders 16-valves Turbo