Mad about Sudoku

What is Soduku? It is a puzzle of placing numbers in a 9x9 grid so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3x3 boxes contains the digits from 1 to 9. There is only an unique answer to each puzzle. This basic 9x9 grid has evolved to other forms such as 12x12 with letters and Samurai Sudoku.

My first brush with Soduku was when I noticed my friend, Judice started playing Sudoku in 2005 but I was uninterested then. Recently, Eduardo let me played one such puzzle on his hand-held palm while on our way to Washington DC. After that, I am a fan of Sudoku because it is mentally challenging and helps to improve one's analytic skill.

The human body has an efficient way to cope with changes. A person who works out correctly at the gym will often accumulate muscle mass with a proper diet. However, if he stopped pumping, the muscle mass will decrease, since the body does not need to maintain a muscular physique to survive. Similarly, if a person does not use his brain much (e.g. watching TV), the mental capability will deteriorate. What you do not use, the body will not maintain it. That is why I am playing at least one Sudoku puzzle each day.

Settling slowly at my new place

I shifted into my new place on Monday (Feb 26) with the kind permission by Edwin, my landlord/housemate. I could not sleep for the first night as I 'downgraded' from a queen- to twin-sized bed. For the second night, I brought along two of my pillows from my old place and was able to sleep till 6am.

Now, it seemed that my biological clock is set to wake up at 6am no matter how late I sleep. I am physically exhausted from the shifting and disturbed sleep. I still have my belongings at Vladimir's and Eduardo's apartments since I would be charged USD$75 for moving in with boxes or bulky items. The plan is to bring my stuff in grocery bags over several trips. It is more troublesome but I save $75 (this rate is exorbitant or cut-throat for using the lift)!

Living at the tenth floor and facing the east has one tremendous advantage. I get to admire sun rise every morning. The red orange glow of dawn illuminates my room as the fiery ball climbs the sky.

I promise to post pictures of my new place once I am settled down. Till then, I am enjoying the 185 channels on TV and surfing the internet.

My first anniversary in USA

How time flies in the blink of an eye, one year had passed by since I arrived on Feb 24 2006!

During this period, I would like to thank my colleagues/friends who had helped to make life easier here. To BJ for her great help at work. Delores who keeps asking me to 'hit the button' for the coffee maker because she knows I am a coffee addict. Vladimir for the many talks, walks and dinners. My swimming buddy, Greg. Eduardo, Greta and cute Mathias for the many road trips to Sam's club, Washington DC, etc. To Fero, my fellow Catholic companion at mass. Ernesto and Tom for their guidance and valuble inputs for my work.

My apartment is almost back to its original state when I first moved in one year ago. I had shifted most of my stuffs but I still need to clean up. Now I am sleeping in my sleeping bag. My kind landlord had offered me to shift in earlier. Have to gather my act and get this done and over with!

Had enough of winter, looking forward to spring

There were only two snow falls in this winter season but I had enough of it. Coming from a tropical country, experiencing snow was exhilarating initially. However, as snow froze to ice or became too thick to walk and wind chill brought already freezing temperature further south, the harsh cold reality set in. Slippery roads and power outages from fallen trees/branches or heavy frozen power lines were some of the inconveniences experienced. Worst, some people even died from the cold!

Spring, O Lively Spring, come quickly to break your sister, Deadly Winter's cold spell to bring forth live from the frozen soil.

Happy Lunar Pig Year

This is my first Chinese New Year (CNY) spent away from home! Usually, I could feel the festive spirit two weeks prior to CNY when my family was busy stocking up goodies and cleaning the house. In Baltimore, it just felt like normal working days.

CNY eve was especially important to me since my family would gather to thank God for the blessings He had showered on us for the past year and shared a steamboat feast. Abalone, braised duck, fried chicken wings, etc. Thinking of them made me drooled. Chinese reunion dinner on CNY's eve is akin to Western culture of Thanksgiving (occurring on the fourth Thursday of November).

I spent CNY eve by calling home in the morning (since Singapore is 13 hours ahead) to wish my family health and peace. Then, I went to Sam's Club with Eduardo and his family to buy grocery. I bought a snow sled since it was on sales and spent the afternoon sledding away. I could not imagine sledding as being tiring but it was. My new kind landlord, Edwin invited me to join his friends and colleagues for dinner. I was so filled up by the food on the table and I drank two bottles of Singapore's own brew, Tiger!

Wishing all my readers a happy, healthy and peaceful piggy year!

My 'repeating' song on Valentine's Day

Always on your side by Sheryl Crow and Sting

My yesterdays are all boxed up and neatly put away
Every now and then you come to mind
'Cause you were always waiting to be picked to play the game
But when your name was called, you found a place to hide
When you knew that I was always on your side

Well everything was easy then, so sweet and innocent
But my demons and my angels reappeared
Leavin' only traces of the man you thought I'd be
Too afraid to hear the words I'd always feared
Leavin' you with only questions all these years

But is there someplace far away, someplace where all is clear
Easy to start over with the ones you hold so dear
Or are you left to wonder, all alone, eternally
This isn't how it's really meant to be
No it isn't how it's really meant to be

Well they say that love is in the air, never is it clear,
Try to pull it close and make it stay
Butterflies are free to fly, and so they fly away
And I'm left to carry on and wonder why
Even through it all, I'm always on your side

But is there someplace far away, someplace where all is clear
Easy to start over with the ones you hold so dear
Or are you left to wonder, all alone, eternally
When this isn't how it's really meant to be
No it isn't how it's really meant to be

Well they say that love is in the air, never is it clear
How to pull it close and make it stay
Butterflies are free to fly, why do they fly away
Leavin' me to carry on and wonder why
Was it you that kept me wandering through this life
When you know that I was always on your side

Frustrated at not getting my hair cut!

Majority of hair saloons require making an appointment and they closed by 6pm. I had attempted twice to get my hair cut at separate saloons but failed because I was late. I had booked the latest so that I had more time to work.

I can understand the business sense of filling up the working hours by requesting appointments but what about the customer who need to work normal hours too? Do we have to take leave just to cut our hair?!

My first snow angel

Woke up this morning to a snow-covered day. On my way to work, I took time to take these pictures.

Indeed, each season has its own beauty for us to marvel and contemplate.

When I reached the lab, I could not resist the pristine snow-covered field beckoning me to make a snow angel. I wore my lab coat and gloves to prevent me from getting wet. Eduardo was there to take pictures of me in action. Some said my snow angel looked like a butterfly or a ribbon. I was freezing when I completed the snow angel. My first snowman will have to wait since the snow was flaky (not sticky).

Down at the Inner Harbor, the stagnant water was frozen near the pier, considering the harsh temperature (average -6 degree Celsius). Even cars had icicles forming. Ice cream anyone?

Test your captioning skill

My captions for these pictures: "There are U-turns in life", "Half coverage" and "Car catches cold too"

Do leave your interesting captions behind.

Thank you.

Thank you, Guardian angel

Yesterday, I helped Fero to move to his new place. There were two incidents of accident but I scraped through without injury.

First, we were shifting a heavy metal cabinet onto a truck when one of us lost grip and the metal cabinet slammed against a dolly. My right palm could feel the impact. Any inch closer, my hand would be crushed between the cabinet and the dolly.

Second, I was carrying a sofa up a narrow, dimly lit flight of stairs when I felt a sharp pain across my right shoulder blade. I knew there must be a nail. On my way down, I saw two nails jutting out. Wonder who was that careless and unsafe! My skin was not cut. I would have to go for a tetanus jab if there was a wound.

Thank God for sending his angel, my Guardian Angel, to watch and protect over me!

Angel of God,
My guardian dear,
To whom his love,
Commits me here,
Ever this day and night,
Be at my side,
To light and guard,
To rule and guide.
Amen.

Towards driving and an identity

Two days ago, I went to Motor Vehicle Administration to apply for a learner's permit at Mondawmin Mall. The customer officer rejected one of my two proofs of Maryland residency. I was fuming for making a wasted trip!

Yesterday, I went back to apply again. I hit jackpot when the same person served me (it would have been better if this was a lottery). This time I brought along my lease document. My friend who brought hers went through smoothly and I verified the lease document was included in the official list of sources of proof. He said that they do not accept this as a proof but without conviction. That was when I knew he was just being nasty and making things difficult for me!

Next, things went smoothly where I was complimented by the administrative officer. She said, "It's a pleasure processing your application for coming prepared without all the nonsense." The reason being I had already attended the 30 hour of theory lesson, where I had to sit in a 3-hour class every weeknight for two weeks in winter!

The vision test was interesting. Other than reading off the smallest alphabets, it included testing your peripheral vision where you need to identify which side had orange flashes from the corner of your eyes. I was expecting the flashes upfront.

After this station, I was sent to take my Law Test, consisting of 20 multiple choice questions. The passing grade was 17 (85%) within 15 minutes. I skipped three questions with the intention to answer them at the end. To my surprise, after the last question, there was a message stating that I had passed.

For the final stage, I had to wait for an hour to pay a $50 application fee. I was expecting to receive my card immediately but was disappointed when it would be mailed to me within 30 days.

Anyway, I am glad that I will have the learner's permit which serves as an official identification card (ID). I had been asked to show my ID at pub entrances, student hostel and shopping counters when using my credit card. As I do not like to carry my passport around, I was refused at times or some would accept my Johns Hopkins ID card.

Now, I just have to wait till July to take my driving test and meanwhile, I have to log 60 hours of driving.

A season behind

I had been procrastinating till now. I finally uploaded my fall pictures taken in Baltimore county. I did not expect Maryland to be this scenic. Stretches of fenced up pastures reminded me of pictures in calendars of childhood days.

I am realising my dreams when young Paul wished he was there to ponder on the beauty of falls firsthand!

The pictures are available here.

No sign of snow yet

This winter has been a mild one. In fact, the temperature for one Saturday was 70 degree F (21 degree C). Highly unusual in winter. I was expecting snow by the time I got back from Singapore.

The weather forecast for this week is that there will be snow. My first in my entire life where I will upload pictures of snow-covered Baltimore.

Meanwhile, I am nursing myself to health from the flu bug, the common seasonal pest that comes with each winter.

Sneezing off

Baltimore City is like Gotham City

I had noticed choppers with spotlight flying around my area at night. They hovered way down low and the noise they created was annoying. I wondered what they were doing.

I got my answer on last Monday. Vladimir and I were taking a stroll at JHU Homewood Campus after a hearty dinner. When we parted, I first saw a black man running fast (definitely not in running gear but in polo t-shirt and jeans), followed by an officer chasing after him. I thought of helping the officer but I was thinking that was not a good idea. What if the suspect had a gun. I was not going to risk my life. As I reached the campus entrance, an empty patrol car was parked beside a bicycle which I suspected belonged to the suspect.

Moments later, a helicopter appeared and started flying around the vicinity. The helicopter served as an aerial surveillance of spotting the suspect. So like in Batman comics where they flashed the Batman sign when there was trouble, the choppers would be there to find crooks roaming the streets of Baltimore City.

Shifting out soon

My current lease with Broadview will end by 28 Feb 2007. They are raising the rent to $705 from $670, including only water and gas. Let me quote you a sentence which I found amusing "Management strives to keep costs at a minimum, but in order to maintain the high standard of living and service to which you've become accustomed, we find it necessary to increase rents at certain intervals". What nonsense! I am not buying this, so I am shifting out.

For the past two weeks, I had been looking for a place to rent for another year. I began sending out advertisement to the Chinese Association mailing list, asking around and searching the internet. A good website was http://baltimore.craigslist.org/ where I found several places. Some were located in an unsafe neighbourhood or the common area was messy where you had to share with five strangers for cheaper rents. Other considerations were the timing of shifting in, the number of housemates, duration of lease, proximity to workplace.

After weighing the pros and cons, I decided to rent a room from a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom condo unit at $650/mth which includes electricity, water, gas, cable TV, internet, local phone and private laundry. I have my own bathroom. My room looks out into the greenery and it has sunshine coming in. I cannot stand living in the basement where I cannot see the sun. As the landlord just bought the unit last July, everything is new. All I have to do is to bring my luggage and cooking items. The condo has tight security, a rooftop pool and gym facilities. Also, I will be a stone throw away from the shuttle stop where I go to work.

To conclude, I will give up my 'freedom' to share with someone whom I hope we can be great friends (instead of coming back to an empty apartment) and paying lower rent to maintain the high standard of living and service to which I've become accustomed.

PS: Those who want to bet on 4-digit system, try 1011 which is my new unit number.

A well written work on a taboo subject

Finished reading a book that is simply controversial. It sets the reader thinking what he would do regarding to his own body upon death (normal persons would have been buried or cremated).

Entitled "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers" by Mary Roach who had done an excellent job detailing how to use the human corpse for worthy purposes other than rotting in the grave or be burnt at high temperature. Dead bodies have been used for practising surgery, targets of guns and ammunitions for developing body armour, and even medicinal uses?! To set the record straight, I do not mind donating my organs to save the lives of others but I am not willing to be experimented over my dead body.

I am reading two books simultaneously since one needs reflection and the other is a fiction. One of my favorite authors, Paulo Coelho shared his thoughts and reflections of life in "Like The Flowing River". This was a gift from Huibin who thought I might be bored at night and weekends with no good book to read. The other is "Angels and Demons" by Dan Brown borrowed from the mini library at Broadview basement.

I Believe

On Jan 4, 2007, I received a happy news which I had been anticipating since I started my graduate studies on Jan 7, 2002. Thank you, Abba Father and all glories are yours! I could change my salutation title to Dr. from Mr. It was like a fairy tale came true.

From young, my nickname in Teochew was "Ah gong" (English translation would be stupid or slow). I had been teased for doing foolish things or be the butt of the jokes. Who could have thought that this ‘fool’ had climbed to the pinnacle of education and succeeded!

Embarking on this path had its ups and downs. The perks included acceptance of papers, paid oversea trips to conferences (which were dependent on supervisor’s fund) and one was paid to study as the term ‘professional student’ so aptly described. There were periods of self-doubts, frustration at failed experiments after repeating umpteen times, many nights spent at laboratory, rushing for publications and their revisions, etc.

This journey had taught me much, from perseverance to self-confidence. I thought organizing and writing a 40,000-word dissertation was impossible. I often experienced a writer’s block where I could stare at my laptop screen without writing or editing. It took me four years to submit my dissertation (22 Dec 2005) and another year to get conferred.

The usual thesis examination period was five months but mine took 11 months. I was unlucky to have chosen an irresponsible examiner who claimed after the grace period was over that he/she could submit a report two months later. During last year, I was working at Johns Hopkins University which requested for my Ph.D. degree where failure to produce the certificate could result in my termination after one year contract. Anger and anguish accompanied me through this dark period. My patience was severely tested. I requested for a change to a new examiner in mid August where I am grateful to him/her for submitting the report within two months!

D-day was on 3 Nov 2006 when I had to present my work to the public. Next, was the ‘grilling’ session where the examiners would ask questions pertaining to my work. I felt my brain was squeezed dry for 45 minutes. After the whole session was over, I was congratulated for passing the examination.

I dedicate my success to my beloved mum who had set an example for me to follow. Though she was illiterate, she worked hard through her hands to get me to where I am today. When I finally got my conferment letter, I can truly say, ‘I believe’ as in the song by Fantasia Barrino.

Have you ever reached a rainbow's end
And did you find your pot of gold
Ever catch a shooting star
And tell me how high did you soar
Ever felt like you were dreaming
Just to find that you're awake
And the magic that surrounds you
Can lift you up and guide you on your way

[Chorus:]
I can see it in the stars across the sky
Dreamt a hundred thousand dreams before
Now I finally realize
You see I've waited all my life for this moment to arrive
And finally, I believe

When you look out in the distance
You see it never was that far
Heaven knows your existence
And leads you to be everything you are
There's a time for every soul to fly
It's in the eyes of every child
It's the hope, the love that saves the world
And, oh, we should never let it go

[Chorus]

I believe in the impossible
If I reach deep within my heart
Overcome any obstacle
Won't let this dream fall apart
See I strive to be the very best
Shine my light for all to see
Cause anything is possible
When you believe yeah.

Finally, I like to share with you two quotes which had kept me going while writing my thesis:

‘Many of life's failures are people who did not realise how close they were to success when they gave up.’
Thomas Edison

‘Man's mind stretched to a new idea never goes back to its original dimensions.’

Sri da Avabhas (Adi Da Samraj)

Happy 2007 to one and all!

After two months back home in Singapore, I flew back to USA on Dec 28, 2355hr on flight SQ026 via Frankfurt, Germany to John F. Kennedy International Airport, NY. A total of 24 flight hours. The stopover at Frankfurt allowed me to step foot on Europe continent for the first time. (I have a German friend who had been inviting me to visit him since 2002 but have not done that. I had made a mental note to visit him when I fly back home next time.) The waiting area was dull and cold as compared to the posh, carpeted and well-planned transit area of Changi Airport. There was only one gents room available for the big waiting area. So, better hold your bladder while waiting.

I entertained myself through the arduous journey watching five on-demand movies from over 70 channels and was well-hydrated from the frequent serving of fluids from the flight stewardesses. Food was good but I avoided alcohol since I lack alcohol dehydrogenase. Overall, the service was better than United Airlines which I took on my first trip to USA.

Upon touched down at 1000hr Dec 29, I decided to travel back to Baltimore instead of spending a few days sight-seeing New York City and counting down at Times Square. I had four luggage which contained mostly Singapore local pastes such as laska, mee rebus, mee siam, etc and souvenirs for colleagues and friends. Getting to the actual train station was a challenge since I only had a bit of information from a friend who suggested this route.

I travelled on the Manhattan Express to The Grand Central Terminal which unfortunately was not the station departing for Baltimore. It did looked like a grand dame and was packed with tourists and passengers. I had to navigate myself through the crowd with four heavy luggage, carrying them up and down staircases. This was the worse part of my mini-adventure for doing things last minute as was contrary to my usual "plan ahead mentality". After two transfers of the NY subway, I arrived at Penn Station, NY and bought a train ticket (USD$114) leaving in 15 minutes time. Since it was the holiday season, the price was high compared to the usual $60 range.

There was little time for me to get lunch and go to the restroom with my heavy luggage. So, I opted to go hungry not knowing that food was available on Amtrak train. After settling myself comfortably, I noticed commuters heading towards the front carriage and back with food and drinks. I bought a pizza (the first typical American food after a two-month period) and a can of root beer. I had to fight against the sleeping 'monster' in order not to miss my stop at Penn Station, Baltimore (FYI: there are lots of Penn Stations in USA, so better ask which state before you buy your ticket). Fero was kind to pick me up at the station and sent me to my apartment.

I knocked out at 7pm after 31 hours of travel and got up the next day adjusting to the 13-hour difference.

For this new year, my resolutions include getting back into shape, learning how to bake, getting my US driving license, travel as many states as possible, and publishing first and co-author papers.

Signing off with a new start.

Black pepper crab recipe

* Crab
* Pounded black and white peppercorns (if you want spicier taste, add more white peppercorns, else ratio is 1:1)
* Pounded garlic
* Pounded ginger
* Pounded chilli (optional, add only if you can stand the spiciness)
* Dark soya sauce
* Sugar
* Oyster sauce

1. Stir fry dry pounded peppercorn till you can smell the choking aroma.
2. Add cooking oil and fry pounded garlic, ginger and chilli till golden brown.
3. Add crabs and fry.
4. Add dark soya sauce, sugar and oyster sauce to taste.
5. Add water and cover wok. Repeat process thrice to cook the crabs. Stir occasionally.
   

Enjoy the signature Singaporean dish!

Feeling the effects of over 30

Signs of men over 30 are showing: Pot-belly, thinner scalp (am thankful that I still have a full crown) and lethargy.

After one month of eating at least three local dishes at one meal and a drink, I had gained 4 kg/ 8.8 lb and a big pot-belly. It was eating like there was no tomorrow. I was actually eating to make up for one year absence since I would not be coming back to Singapore next year. One round way trip costs me at least SGD$2600. Travelling back next year would set my savings back by $5200. I would have to forgo Chinese New Year and my PhD convocation. Come 2007, I would use the time and money to travel to as many states as possible (fyi: 50 states). Yellowstone National Park is on my top list.

With a bigger tummy and lack of exercise, I felt tired more easily. My mind was set on running and swimming, but my body refused to obey. It seemed that I just had to binge and sleep. I am turning into a lazy pig! Friends had commented that I looked bulkier (euphemistic way of saying I am fat).

One of my goals for this coming new year is to reduce my waistline so that I could see my abs again. Haha...