Pluto no more?

Was reading 'my paper' on the streets today, and came across a interesting yet shocking news: The International Astronomical Union stripped Pluto of its official status as a planet.

My first reaction was 'huh???' ...Its rather shocking because I didn't know planets are like humans, can be promoted and demoted and stripped of its rank. Its also shocking because for the past 25 years of my life, there had always been 9 planets and now we have to get used to the fact that there's only 8.

Really, what will happen to 'My Very Efficient Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas', no more pizzas??

Being quite curious, I did a bit of research and here are some facts(no kidding):
1. Pluto was discovered in 1930.
2. It is smaller than any of the other 'official' planets.
3. Unlike other planets, it had been not visited by any spacecraft.
4. It is now classified as a dwarf planet instead of a planet due to new definations set by the IAU.

Oh yah, one last bit, this voting out of Pluto took place on 24th Aug 2006.. which was only 2 days ago. So if you read my blog, you're not outdated. =)

Podcast: Mr Brown Show!!

I'm quite outdated. Podcast is the 'in' thing among bloggers now, but I just heard my very first podcast today at Mr Brown Show. I downloaded it in school in the midst of my markings as I was really bored. Danping had always been a fan of Brown's podcasts, but I didn't bother to download any as I thought it will take up too much time. Easier to just surf and browse through the blogs.

Oh my.. I really almost rolled on the floor laughing when I heard the PM's rally: 'mee siam mai hum'. Go check it out, man! Hilarious, it really made my day..

I'm subscribing to the podcasts now, it's easier than I thought since I'm using iTunes for my iPod Nano, just a click away actually.

Train Man 电车男

Bought this book a week ago as I needed some readings to kill time, was quite horrified when I opened the book and the whole novel was all cut and pasted from posts of a forum. Upon reading on, it became quite interesting.. allegedly a true story of a geek who gain advice from the messengers of a chat board to date his dream girl out.

Anyway, I came across this website from one of the threads in the book. And surprisingly, the link worked! It's quite hilarious.


Finally, somebody in a chicken costume who will do whatever you want. Check it out: http://www.subservientchicken.com

New Balance Real Run 2006

Just went for the New Balance Real Run this morning, it was quite a gruelling 10km for me as I did very few training jogs before this. But I managed to finish it, nevertheless... =P

Next week, its the Sheares Bridge Run & AHM, and another 10km for me. I sort of got addicted to joining all these runs to force myself out of my bed and exercise more.. which I rarely got the chance to after I started working proper.

Ahh.. its season of the fireworks again

As part of our National Day celebration, there's a series of fireworks being put (up/off) at Marina Bay area starting from tonight. Having nothing to do this weekend, I went to view the fireworks with my friends.

As I approached the area, I realised that LOTS!! of other Singaporeans had no entertainment for the weekend as well, and the whole esplanade area was really crowded. As my friend said, "half of Singapore was there". Therefore, if you'd missed it, you probably belonged to the other half.

Tonight's theme was "Italy", we had a good pool of Singaporean audience who provided 'wows' and 'ahhs' at the correct timing. There was applause when the display started and ended. And did this just make us more patriotic? I guess not. Its just a FOC and everyone's-going-so-you-better-join-in that kind of event.

As you could see from the snapshot, the whole display of fireworks were nicely framed by two coconut trees from my view. There were people in front, behind, left and right of me so there was no way I could get away from those trees. =.=

Nevertheless, the Singaporean in me decided to be back again on Tues to catch the Singapore-themed fireworks. Hopefully, no trees in front of me then. No inconsiderate people holding up their camera phones right in front of my face. Hopefully.

A blog-less year

I used to enjoy blog surfing, clicking on blogs of friends and famous bloggers to find out about their lives.

I used to enjoy blogging, taking note of details in my life and trying to formulate an interesting blog in my head as I go from place to place.

However, I've realised I hadn't been doing that for a long time.

I've stopped blogging for about a year, I guess. I hadn't been visiting my friends' blog, only occasionally click on some links as I'm waiting for webpages to load. Can't explain why. Juz out-growing this part of my life. Or, maybe not?

Anyway, the photo on the left was taken last year when I brought the kids to the NE show. Was quite proud to capture this with my digicam as I thought it was quite cool. Just wanted to test if I'm still able to put up photo here, and randomly chose this as National Day is coming up. =)

Oh yah, on a sidenote, uploading pictures to blogger is so much easier now and I didn't even realise that we can upload photos straight from our comp. It's just a click away!