Recap of the Past Few Months

It's been a really busy season this year, Trang seems to be alot more popular this time round with more Europeans looking for a new destination.

Swedish tourists come mostly during late November till Mid January, whereas we do get alot of French and Germans, but the majority are still British Travellers...

Anyhoo, things are underway for the construction of Beach Villas at our new location in Koh Mook, which is the new Gem of the Andaman Sea, and of course me being the project director, its fun and tiring at the same time.

This year I've taken cycling to the next level, I have upgraded my mountain bicycle with new gear shifters and handlebars, and also a seat cushion for those long rides.

However I'm still drooling over a very expensive TITANIUM frame which I saw earlier in Trang, but waaay out of my budget... can you believe that just the frame costs over 40,000 baht, that's about RM 4000 .... in fact I almost bought it but I noticed that the frame size was falling short of 2 -3 inches, and looked like a really small bike.... anyhow I'm still happy with my Aluminium Alloy Framed bicycle for which I'm told it the top of the line Aluminium Bicycles.

So far I've sunk almost 3k into my bicycle with all the knick knacks..... For those bicycle enthusiasts, here's a lowdown on my ride.

- Shimano Deore Gear Sets & Shifters (27 gears)

- RoxShox Judy SL - U-Turn Suspension Forks

- TransX Alumium Components

- Real Leather Seating.

Besides my love for bicycles and cycling, I also make it my sworn duty to own every single techno gadget (which I can afford) that I can lay my hands on....... behold my latest acquisition.

Yes... you can stop drooling now....

my first UMPC.... WIFI.... HSPDA..... 60G hard drive... Windows XP.... and just slightly bigger than my old HP iPAQ 2200...... battery life of 5 hours (standard battery) or 12 hours (high capacity battery)

Model. Raon Everun ... check it out at raondigital.com

Besides that... I've upgraded my laptop RAM to a total of 4 Gigs, plus an additional 4 Gigs using a Readyboost compatible flash drive.... yes my laptop now has 8 GIGS of RAM..... crazy... and to think there was a time where I thought 4 megs of RAM was alot... (my old 386 DX-40)..

with a shared video ram for my installed ATI graphics card giving a total of 2 gigs ram???

Wait ... there's more...

in a few days I am yet to receive my latest techno gadget...

Let your Imagination Run wild!!!..

I will give you all the lowdown as soon as I get hold of this.....

RECAP: Windows Vista vs Windows XP

Windows XP versus Windows Vista

Pros of Vista
1. Readyboost, use Flash drives as RAM up to 4 GB
2. Smooth User-Interface, Aero-Flip
3. Better performance from Dual Core Computers ... faster
4. Crashes almost Nil.. very.. very rare..
5. Windows Side bar with nifty gadgets such as Nero's Copy-on-the-fly
6. Multitasking waaay faster and easier
7. Free updates forever with new virus definitions
8. Live preview of programs on taskbar9. Video for windows media player on taskbar

Cons.
1. Costs alot.. Home Premium 5000 baht (RM 500) compared to 100 baht (RM 10) for a pirated copy of windows xp pro.
2. Older programs are incompatible with VISTA.. Mobile Phone Software for PC Connections have problems using vista ie. usb-modem connections. However there is no problem using a bluetooth modem connection.
3. Pirated software seems to have some slight glitches, my assumption is that they have joined hands with microsoft to curb cracked software that is already on the market, the solution is to buy new versions of software which has been specially cracked for windows vista.

BEST SOLUTION for power users.
1. Install windows XP Pro first
2. Run the installation for Windows Vista in XP, and use a dual boot system.
3. If you run into some trouble with Vista, you can always go back to XP (familiar ground)

NOTE: Don't forget to partition your harddisk's before installation, recommend 40 G for vista, depending on which OS you would use more.

RECAP: Using GPRS/EDGE on your cell phone

GPRS as Modem for your Laptop or PDA - Do-It-Yourself Guide

If you are already using your GPRS phone as a modem with your laptop or PDA, just make a few changes in the settings of your laptop or handset using the step-by-step guide below so that you can continue to enjoy surfing!
To set-up your GPRS phone as a modem for your laptop:
1. Click on My Computer

2. Select Dial-up Networking

3. Click on “Make New Connection”

4. Enter the name “GPRS” and select “Bluetooth Fax Modem or IR Modem on T610” as device 5. Click “Next”

6. Enter *99***X# in the “Telephone number” field. Make sure to leave the area code field empty

7. Select “Finish”

8. Select “Finish”

9. Uncheck the “Use area code and Dialing Properties” option

10. Click on “Configure”

11. Select “Connection” and click on “Advanced”

12. Enter at+cgdcont=X,”IP”, “GPRS APN Name of your Provider” where X is the CID# of your GPRS Data comm.

13. Click “Ok”

14. Click on the “Server Types” tab

15. Uncheck “NetBEUI and IPX/SPX Compatible” option

16. Click “Ok”

Now, you’re all set to use your GPRS phone as a modem:
1. Just enable BT on your phone.

2. Double click on “My Computer”

3. Select “Dial-up Networking”

4. Double click “GPRS”

5. No need to input a username or password

6. Click “Ok”

If (a) your laptop is on Windows 2000 and you are using the BT to connect to Internet or (b) you are using a PDA, you will need to add a new data account or profile on your handset to be able to use your phone as a modem. Just follow the step-by-step guide below:

For Nokia Phones 1. Go to "Menu", then "Settings" 2. Select "GPRS modem setting" 3. On the "Active Access Point", select "Choose Profile x" then select "Ok" 4. Select "Edit Active Access Point" 5. On the "Alias for Access Point" rename to "GPRS_Internet" then select "Ok" 6. On the GPRS access point, type "internet"

For SET610 1. From "Connectivity" 2. Choose "Data Comm." 3. Select "Data Accounts" 4. Select "Add Account?" 5. Select "GPRS data" as Account type 6. Enter "GPRS_Internet" on "New Account" option and then select "Ok" 7. Enter "internet"on the APN field (under "New GPRS data" 8. There is no need to enter username and password 9. Select "Save"

You are now fully equipped to use your phone as a modem to access the Internet on your laptop or PDA!
Hope this helps. Cheers !!!

RECAP: Going Wireless

WiFi Antennaes and Signals

As a strong supporter of this technology, and also avid user, installer, technician etc... I have used / am using most of the hardware there is about WiFi.

Important Notes.

1. ROUTER/ACCESS POINT BASICS

What is a router?
A router is essentially a 'hub' which as usually 4 LAN ports, and is connected to an ADSL modem, cable or satellite modem.
If you do not intend to use Wireless, then a router is all you'll need, to share the internet - up to 4 computers.

What is an access point?
An access point behaves like a router but without wires, and it is virtually unlmited in its connections, the only thing is that it does not have any LAN ports.
It is good for remote deployment for WiFi (Wireless LAN) connected to a satellite modem or another.

What is a Wireless Router?
It is in fact a router and an access point built into 1 device. It has the best of both worlds, a wired AND wireless connection.
This is very useful if you use your computer near your cable or satellite or ADSL modem, why?.. well you can use a LAN cable to connect to the router, without experiencing WIFI signals and point-blank range.
The first step is disabling your wireless radio on your computer.

2. GOING FOR WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY

Rule number 1.
Always.. always choose an access point or wireless router with a 'DETACHABLE' antennae. why? so you can upgrade your antennae at any time which you will soon enough.

Rule number 2.
BRAND LOYALTY is also important. why? because
a) same brand devices connect 'out' of the box, meaning you can immediately use with your other devices without much configuration.
b) virtually no signal loss due to compatibility issues or software/firmware conflicts.
c) most repeaters, range boosters in actual fact only work with their own brand devices, SOMETIMES only with a similar model. ALwAYS READ THE SMALL PRINT.

Rule number 3.
If you're trying to increase your signal range there are 2 options, the more expensive option is going for the new Wireless N standard which utilizes three antennaes with MIMO technology for reception. The BAD news is that most laptops with their inbuilt centrino WIFI chips cannot take advantage of this range and bandwidth, sticking only with wireless G.. don't believe the salesperson that it would make a difference, it would only have made signficant improvement IF you buy 'the same brand' and same model, PCI card OR Notebook PCMCIA or Express Card network adapter.
Now.. another lesson.. this ONLY works INDOORS!!! beware, if you are upgrading to Wireless N just so you can get a signal in another house next door.. good luck... because wireless routers / access points have 'indoor' antennaes!

TRUE STORY.
Day 1... Purchased the so-called 'famous' Belkin N1 wireless access point ... oooohhh..! soo futuristic... and cool looking.. costs me 9000 baht (RM 900), the mission was to 'share' the internet with another housenearby. (roads in between).. on the box they PROMISED almost 500 metres!... ok. so I thought all I need is 250 metres, and what do I get??? nothing!... anyhow I went back to the store the same day and asked them why.?? They told me I needed to get a wireless N adapter for my notebook for PEAK efficiency and maximum range... btw. a wireless N card is not cheap either.. costs me 4000 baht (RM 400) Belkin N1 Notebook Adapter ...
So after turning on the modem (1 adapter) ... router ... (1 more adapter) .... and the Belkin Access Point (1 more adapter) ... TOTAL 3 adapters to turn on... and plugging in my new N1 notebook adapter in my own pcmcia slot... had to disable the other inbuilt WIFI radio... and waited!!!.. outdoors..... nothing.... but worked really well indoors.. even until the 3rd floor... amazing... range increased by 30%.?? ... but no change outdoors...
Another problem with BELKIN.... there are dropped signals every 5-10 minutes on other wireless devices which are USB plugged it ie. zyxel wireless USB adapters.. works okay with D-Link..... a few compatibility issues....
So anyhow I wasn't satisfied .. so day 3... what happened to day 2???? well there was ALOT of configuration setting from the modem to the router to the access point blah blah... blah.. plus going out in the streets with my laptop looking for a signal.. plus going up and down the floors... what a workout!
Anyhow.. Day 3... I returned the Whole darn setup... bad news is that I couldn't get a cash refund.. so I had a whole lot of other junk..dvd's. inkjet paper, scanner, printer etc.. and finally I settled with the DLINK-604 WIRELESS ADSL ROUTER --- built in modem... 1 power adapter ALL THREE DEVICES into one... I was never happier.. cost??? 3000 baht (RM 300)....
FINAL RULE...INDOOR antennaes are meant to be INDOORS.. It doesn't matter how many dbi's it is.. it just won't work outdoors.. believe.. I tried 'hanging' an indoor external antennae out the window of the second floor.. it won't work... I even hung the access point out the window.. held only by the power cord and LAN connection...
JUST buy the OUTDOOR antennae.. works great both indoors and outdoors.... just beware of COSMIC radiation... !!
UP NEXT... P2P Filesharing... tips.. warnings... etc.!BITCOMET.. LIMEWIRE ... E-MULE ... FLASHGET ... KAZAA ... AZUREUS ....

Midlife Crisis

Almost at the edge of 30 and still single, while the majority of my friends have girlfriends/boyfriends or are married or are married and already have children, this has caused me to have a midlife crisis and therefore,I have decided to come up with an application form for interested parties.

Wanted: someone to bring ORDER to CHAOS

The applicant must meet the following criteria.

1. must be female
2. must be beautiful
3. must be unattached
4. must be asian – thai Chinese preferred – otherwise that’s okay
5. must be independent, I can’t stand clingy people (you know.... those that follow you everywhere).. I enjoy my independence very much and they should too.. that they can still live their own life when I’m not always around… a prospective gf didn’t pass this test on the first day.. she was mad that I wasn’t paying any attention to her ….. I did like her and vice versa but business comes first, if you can’t accept that… tough… I can wait..

6. must speak English fluently
She also failed this test… miserably….. actually now that I think about it.. I didn’t even consider her at all… (if you must know it was over 5 years ago)

7. must be able to speak some thai and perhaps reading would be a bonus...
8, must be humble and modest not pretentious
9. must be able to move around places and actually like it.. not tolerate it…
10. must not have a criminal record … parking offences are okay…
11. must have some degree of intelligence… bachelors degree or masters acceptable
12. must be computer proficient.
13. must like nature
14. must be ethnic Chinese, either thai Chinese, or mix
15. either Buddhist or Christian, most probably Christian is best as I am, although I rarely go to church…
16. must be down-to-earth.. not a party animal, or a shopaholic otherwise you will
bankrupt me.
17. Must have a good sense of humour
18. must not smoke
19. must not drink
20. must not do drugs.
21. must not be shy or be afraid to take challenges
22. ability to think for themselves and express themselves
23. must be tidy person to cleanup after me… and do the dishes as well…
24. must have their own e-mail
25. must have their own blog or website

I will add more when I give it more thought .....

Not the perfect paradise you thought I was in

From the moment I arrived in Hatyai at about 8.00 am after a long 8-10 hours, I received an SMS for certain errands I had to do in Hatyai, of which one of them was to pickup my tourist guide license from the TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand), and after bargaining with the tuk-tuk driver who thought I was a tourist just because I came out from the bus from KL, and finally convincing him that I’m thai..... they all try to rip off tourists here…. I told him I as a tour guide and I asked him about the tourist situation in Haadyai, apparently all the people I saw at the pudu station were at most 90 percent thai people who went shopping in KL or to visit relatives and so forth.

The other 10 % were most probably those die-hard fans of Hatyai, the so-called regulars…. Anyhow we were in a short but informative conversation and from what I gathered, hotel occupancy rates were at a low 5% ever since the bombings, but perhaps would pickup after the December elections, as such the Hatyai municipality is renovating their inner shopping districts similar to those in KL like the Bintang Walk, mind you, the tuk tuks aren’t too happy that they can’t go through certain zones now…

Before that.. I was much relieved after finally getting on the bus which was about 1 hour late (left about 10.20), I managed to get to the tour counter just in time thanks to Leong and Kah Fun… although we were caught in a traffic jam almost halfway through… the boost of adrenalin from the fear of missing the bus gave me the speed of Olympic champions… and the moment I arrived at the tour counter they sent me sprinting over to yet another counter which was at least 500 metres away, for the fear that I may still miss the bus…… I felt that I was in a relay course…. However I was grateful for the exercise for that would allow to enjoy a blissful rest on the journey back to Thailand…, not only that but it has been a most exhaustive weekend to say the least.

Anyhow after my errands in Hatyai were completed I stopped over at the Lee Gardens Plaza hoping to purchase that Gundam model kit I had seen the other day… fortunately for me, the shopping centre was still closed…. Fortunate because if I had bought it.. I would have no place to display it, plus the cost of the model could have paid one of my staff wages for half a month…

Its easy when you only work and live for yourself, but when there are other people who depend on you, the actual act of purchasing an item brings many different angles to mind, that is for myself… buying something involves considerable thought… firstly do I really need it? …. I come from a family who just likes to buy things and we have storerooms at each of our places filled with all sorts of ‘good’ junk from coffee makers, bags, blenders, toasters, cutlery, faxes, printers… things we just can’t throw away so we just chuck it in the storeroom… as such this creates a dilemma because personally I’m a very tidy person, but there are just so many things lying around… I must warn you. I live in a mess.. also because I don’t have the time to tidy things up… in my dream house my concept would be one of Spartan living……. Simple yet basic…. Believe me,, when you come to visit… you would understand…

So when I look at something for instance a nice shirt…. I wonder… who would see me wear it? Do I have to iron it? Is it really necessary?... the last thing I want to do is buy something and then have the trouble to store it… same goes with construction materials, we have roofing, tiles, paint, doors, frames, grills etc enough to build a new house just lying around in the storerooms, plus enough plates, bowls, pots, pans and glasses to open 2 new restaurants.

How did this come to happen…. well… the problem is that there are too many purchasing officers, everyone buys what they fancy, different managers like different themes, different designs, bedding etc. so when a new manager takes over the resort, they want to change everything, and the old items, they just get stored away, because its much to valuable to throw it away… of course certain things like clothes and bedding we don’t use, we donate it to my grandmothers church nearby……

Enough dwelling about my preferences and getting back to my return trip from KL, … upon my arrival in trang, I received another SMS which was the shopping list… its seemed that we were almost out of everything….. but as planned, I had my car parked near the railway station a few days before for this assignment. I just hoped the car started.. which it did… so in half comatose state I headed to Makro with the shopping list at hand.... the usual … onions, garlic, pineapples, chicken etc…. I was like a zombie just picking things of the shelf ….. It wasn’t that I was tired… it was just that so much had happened and I just needed to unwind and get my affairs in order.. plus I needed a shower as well….

Okay…. After all the purchasing and the long drive back to Haadyao…… I was greeted with 2 tickets to Bangkok leaving on the 22nd and coming back on the 30th. Apparently some students have downloaded games via the internet onto the computers and I have make sure this doesn’t affect the TOEFL exam preparations. So that left me with TWO whole days to check on my workers in Koh Mook (Mook Island) and the Farm. Travelling to Koh Mook usually takes one whole day and you have to spend the night there, only thing is I had another important pending assignment at the farm (the insurance surveyors) were coming to inspect our losses due to theft (apparently, electrical wires and farm equipment were stolen) and we are insured to a certain extent… this just gives me more tasks to handle, because now I have to file a police report at the police station etc.. etc…. we’re really regulars at the station.. for reporting the crime mind you, not creating it.

Meanwhile…. Still planning my events leading to my departure to Bangkok on the 22nd, I call my right hand man at Koh Mook to see if there had been any progress since I left a week ago… and he tells me that the building contractor who agreed to complete the workers house never came.. and I was to go there and arrange for a new person…. Knowing fully well that I will definitely not be able to make it for at least another 10 days or so.. I just told him I would be there soon and leave everything on hold… just keep cutting the grass and planting flowers…. The project at Koh Mook would just have to wait for now…

Sometimes I wish there was a few more of me so I can just get what I needed done… there are a lot of things expected and there is so little time…

You may have though that I was enjoying myself watching movies and such, I would say that this is true during the low season when it rains almost everyday… and you can’t do anything about it…… but these past few days into the high season… has been really exhausting and I don’t even have time to watch tv, yet alone check my email and update my blog….. this moment.. I just have enough time to write this so I can get it off my mind…..

My Brief but Meaningful visit to KL (17/11/07)

To say the least.. it was an action packed weekend.. even on the first day, I was conned by this salesman in buying an expensive outdated sim card… but I’m not one to hold grudges…, I think of it as charity…. The purpose of my visit was to attend an old high school chum of mine (CK), mind you.. he still looks the same as ever.. hasn’t changed one bit.. and this was the first time I actually met his wife…….. and am still trying to meet her in person (as in an actual conversation)… however being the wedding night…. All is forgiven, perhaps on my next visit.. we can really catch up… the question is.. do people change after marriage??? Thinking about this brings up the movie (you, me and Dupree), and raises a lot of challenging questions… of which I would dive into at a later stage…….

I was happy to be there and it was great to meet them (CK, IZZY, WEI) even though for such a short while... hopefully things remain the same.. but getting married starts a whole new chapter which leaves us behind. Personally I still feel as if I’m still in high school… I still like games, comics, hanging out and such, but perhaps I only feel this way when I’m not working… I’m kind of a different person when I’m Thailand.. you have to portray an image of leadership because people look up to you for directions… and they livelihood depends on you… it’s a nice feeling that you feel important but on the other hand gives you a lot of responsibilities.

Socially, among friends, there are a lot of things to talk about, old history, hobbies, interests and such, but on another level, I feel much more at ease talking to people who share similar experiences in business and life as I have. People my age are out partying or at the office working 9-5, but its those who are past that, that I am more comfortable with… for instance, I was glad that I attended KF’s pool party, and got to meet her dad and her uncle, they are in a era of which I am familiar with.. those who are starting out in their own business and interests, of which I face everyday here… If I were to mingle with people my own age the party, I would be at a loss of words, I would have nothing in common with them, except perhaps our movie preferences or the best place to hangout.... etc.. before I was literally dragged out of the party, It was like a hi and goodbye scenario to people my age….. not that I wouldn’t enjoy their company.. but it would be difficult to strike up a conversation without any awkwardness…

Perhaps at an earlier stage during my high school years I was like that.... but as it is.. I’ve grown into a different person, and I only realized this during those 24 hours that I was in KL… your social peers can be totally different from who you are.

Even as I write this, I can recount numerous occasions where I talk to people on the train who are 20-40 years older than me with an ease of conversation similarly to chatting with a good friend. And as always, they ask me if I’m single, and when I say no, they TRY to introduce the daughter, niece or grand-daughter to me, as if I was interested, but honestly.. that doesn’t work. Good try though… I just smile in acknowledgement.

I’m just amazed of what things I can recall, and situations that I’ve been in, so much better when I’m doing my assessments, these ideas and feelings just seem to pour out of my head, typing fast also helps with the ‘thinking’ train, I guess things gift comes from being able to create a number of multiple scenarios like they teach you in law school I suppose… the gift of being a blabbermouth…. Hahah…!

Not to sound repetitious, I am extremely happy and grateful to my friends who have found the time in their busy lives to entertain me, for those who couldn’t make it…. (except for Joe) boy.. am I mad at you guys!!! Heheh.. that’s okay.. I understand... after all.. it was such short notice… you’re forgiven.. but next time.. I’ll call ahead… don’t forget, there’s still a few more future weddings to attend…. !

On some personal notes:

THK.... you lucky ba(#$tar#($*D1!! You got to drive that Jag Coupe!!! Plus a honeymoon in Korea!!!.
Just remember…… be yourself….. don’t get her to try and change you…….!!!...

JAZ…. Thanks for being there and showing me a good time… you gave a glimpse of what life may have been like if I had followed your route… another lucky *@(@#! A great office! A fantastic view of the twin towers!!! Good salary??? …

DAN & ROO …. Where the heck were you???.. sorry you couldn’t call… and neither could I.. at that time, I gave my sim card to james….

JAM & CEE ……. The perfect couple… with a new baby girl… Issabella…. Better come up with a short nickname before she starts school… also. Love your condo… however if you must wake so early to send Max to school…. Consider moving…. I will be the next one taking over your condo!!! Hahah.. just kidding…
Look at it this way…
1) You won’t have to drive to school and wake up early for the next 15 years
2) Your kids will NEVER be late for school if they were.. they would get DOUBLE the detention because the teacher would never understand why they are late.
3) Your kids will always be back home early so they can start on their homework
4) Your kids would be popular in school because their friends can go back to your place and play computer games
5) You will save almost 3 to 4 hours daily in travelling time plus also reducing your transportation bills and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

I know it’s a big step… but think about it ok?

KF. It was a pleasure to meet your folks again and your relatives, although it was a bit short, but necessary else I would have been late for the bus….
A few tips;
1. get one of those mosquito bats for your car…. Just a few sparks and those mozzies will never come near.
2. get a road map.. so you can never get lost… better yet… you need a nokia 6110 navigator….
3. get connected ie. Facebook.. check your e-mails and even send out a few every now and then so we know what’s happening…. Get a blog….. don’t be shy… everyone has a story to tell and we would all like to hear it, don’t be a stranger.
4. I like your new hairstyle with the highlights…..and keep it straight.. Chinese girls always have straight hair…. I don’t usually give out compliments to the ladies … for fear of giving out the wrong signals … but there I’ve said it.. so its out there…. Also when I saw you this time round…. I thought you just came from a modeling shoot…(if I had said it at that time… Jaz may probably pass some snide remarks) ….. KL girls sure can be glamorous… ok.. another compliment.. so sue me…

Oh… I take back what I said about females all being bad drivers...... but you were also right.. MOST of them are.. with the exception of you and MC…….. I’m not being chauvinistic… its statistically true….. but on the plus side…. Even though KL is famous for road rage.. I’ve never heard of any girl expressing it…. Perhaps Jaz may fit this category… always drive conservatively I always say… (speaking from experience).

I’ve got to quickly wrap this up……… I’ll update you all later….