iThis iThat

And there we have it, I've joined the horde of bloggers ranting or raving about the now-not-too-new iPhone.
While I seriously think the multi-touch screen interface is pretty cool, I simply cannot imagine trying to message on a flat surface. It'll be like playing piano on a table. Hmmmm...

Then as with every Apple product that is launched, two irrationally polarized camps would emerge:

Lacking 3G capabilities and exorbitantly priced, consumers need not much patience for competitors to come out similar products. Fashion house, Prada and LG Electronics unveiled KE850 within less than a week after iPhone was made known.Sony Ericsson also decided to join in the hype, albeit in a more subdued form by releasing 2 photos of the upcoming W880, a walkman phone that boast of an anorexic body.Of course, all hopes were dashed instantaneously when I stumbled upon leaked photos of the W880s. The minuscule line-liked keys definitely doesn't look sexy.With all hopes dashed, I will look forward to the next technological breakthrough...

BioBabble

This new semester has proven to be less-than-ordinary. While I rejoice for the obvious lack of labs in my timetable, I feel a tat inundated with strange modules such as Innovativeness in Engineering Design.

Today, I shall give special focus on an especially dubious module "BN1901, Principles of Bioengineering". While I was puzzled why the lecturer insisted on inspiring us with the ultra-bright future of Bioengineering (I mean we're already stuck in this course liao...) , I was especially perturbed with a particular lecture slide which read:

Where do our students typically go?
- 1/3 to Graduate School
- 1/3 to Medical School
- 1/3 to Industry

The first choice is inevitable for graduates who want to dabble with research. Although I do suspect that most students who initially applied for bioengineering did not know that a Bioengineering Degree is virtually useless in the research sector. Of course, that's assuming that the university of your choice is willing to reciprocate your passion (read: CAP CAP CAP).

The second choice is for all those Medicine rejects. Yes, I DESPISE YOU. I was truly happy when I was accepted into Bioengineering but noooo... some people actually use the Bioengineering route as a back door to fulfill their Grey's Anatomy dream. Well, I guess they think that burning another few more years of youth (relatively speaking) is worth it. Heh.

The third choice is just... disturbingly vague. Would being an insurance agent, clerk, biology teacher or test tube washer count as entering the industry?

Sianz. The future seems so murky for me...

Blade Wars

An arms race is brewing and things are going to get really ugly.

It all began with Trac II, the world's first two-blade razor, debuting in 1971. Gillette claimed that the second blade cut the number of strokes required in half compared to previous razors, reducing facial irritation.

In 1990, Gillette Sensor was launched, boasting of blades which receded into the cartridge head when they make contact with skin. This was the first set of safety razor that I used.

Then in 1998, a groundbreaking "technological breakthrough" was heralded with Mach3, first three-blade razor. I thought the idea of three blades was preposterous and swore never to use it. But lo and behold, SAF were distributing Mach3 out to all BMT recruits so why not?

Schick, a distant second in the global sale of safety razor decided to up the ante and introduced Schick Quattro.

All hell broke loose when Gillette Fusion debutted in January last year. Five blades and a sixth located on the back of the cartridge specifically for trimming hair.
Observers commented that with the invention of the safety razor, it took 75 years for the second blade to be added, then only 15 for the third, and one for the fourth and fifth.Plotting the data available with the hyperbolic curve, it is predicted that in year 2015, razors would have had an infinite number of blades.

The Greatest Weapon of All Times

Fallacious Flashback

Writing in her personal capacity, Ms Ho Ching, the CEO of Temasek Holdings, has asked for continued support for the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) which has come in for heavy criticism recently.

She wrote:

"The NKF has wisely built up strong reserves over the years. It is a sensible and responsible approach. The NKF's fears are understandable. No one likes to have the dreadful responsibility of deciding which patients should live when money dries up in an economic downturn."

"When the NKF completes its review and puts together its plans, do share them. I am sure Singaporeans and many others share a chord of sympathy for your cause."

"On the issue of CEO pay, I believe that even charities ought to be managed professionally. How else can we extend high quality and impactful services including specialist educational and therapy support to those in need? After all, we do not expect CEOs of publicly-funded hospitals to be poorly paid, do we?"

"Mr Durai has helped make a difference in the NKF where medical science has offered a lifeline, though at a cost of tireless fund raising for life time dialysis support. I would not begrudge Mr Durai a proper and well-earned compensation and bonus. He probably earned less than what he would have earned if he had continued in his profession as a lawyer."

"While the leadership of a CEO is critical to shape and drive any organisation, it is equally important that the board balances its support and guidance for its CEO, with its fiduciary duty. It has to serve as an impartial guardian of stakeholder interest in a public institution."

"On the other hand, we should resolutely guard against those with serious faults of character and not put them into positions of trust. But let's be fair and keep an open mind, and give the benefit of doubt until the full facts are known."

"Finally, whatever the transgressions or shortcomings, I want to put on record my deep gratitude for Mr Durai and the NKF and their supporters, including numerous donors, media artistes and volunteers as well as board members and patron."

I wonder what Ho Ching must be thinking now of Durai.
But I guess the Shin Corp - Temasek thing should be distracting her for now.
Heh.

For the full letter:
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/158427/1/.html

Nauseous NUS

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