Computer hard drive finally dead. Time to replace it with an SSD

Remember this Intel SSD that I wrote about quite some time back? Well, it may be used again, this time in the spare computer at my mother’s place, in my old room. The old Samsung hard drive has finally bit the bullet. Last night, it gave me a very interesting BSOD (Blue screen of Death) that basically said that that hard drive was shot. And it certainly looks that way as I cannot seem to boot from it. Time to make this Intel SSD the main boot drive and if that does not work, it looks like I may have to buy a new computer. The computer is 12 years old. Yes I know…it is old and it is time to retire it.

The Feast of The Ascension

Today marks the Feast of The Ascension. For those who want to know what it is, the Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ, also called Ascension Day or Ascension Thursday commemorates the Christian belief of the bodily Ascension of Jesus into heaven. It is a Day of Obligation so we Catholics have to attend Mass.

How to use an angle grinder

I have been thinking of getting a good angle grinder for use during my DIY sessions. The angle grinder that I am shooting for costs about $120 and is made by Bosch. I have been eyeing it for some time. And speaking of eyeing, it is a very good idea to get some eye protection (safety googles for example) when using an angle grinder. The angle grinder spins about 12,000 RPM (revolutions per minute) and it can be classified as a very dangerous tool…and must be used in a proper and safe manner. That is why I posted this video above. It is very informative about the types of angle grinders out there as well as the various discs that you can attach to angle grinders. So watch it, as I did, and learn about angle grinders.

Wireless@SG wireless access points

I was walking past a restaurant shophouse near Jalan Besar when I happened to glance upwards and saw one of the many Wireless@SG WAPs installed in many places in Singapore. After some searching online, I found out that these WAPs were made by a company named Colubris. I managed to find more info about these wireless hotspots here. It looks like the antennas have seen better days but I suppose that they will still do the job, even in this state…and they do!

The Manchester United vs Bayern Munich Treble Reunion 2019

I saw this last night and I was very pleasantly rewarded with a style of play that has been missing for a very long time. 20 years ago, Manchester United won the Treble and last night was the 20th anniversary of the Champions League win to the very day. the players may have been old and not so quick but they made it up with the Manchester United never-say-die attitude…attack till the end. And the final result? 5- 0 in favour of Manchester United. All of the legends played well but the standout player in my eyes was Jaap Stam. He was a rock in defence and gave the Bayern Munich players fits. Even Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said that he would not mind Tonny Johnsen and Jaap Stam in central defence. Are you watching kids? THAT is how you play with the United DNA!

22 of jamie Oliver’s restaurants close in the UK

Heard some rather sad news today. 22 of Jamie Oliver’s restaurants in the UK have gone into adminstration. The Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group, which includes 22 Jamie’s Italian outlets, plus the Fifteen and Barbecoa restaurants in London and a Jamie’s Diner at Gatwick airport, appointed KPMG as administrators on Tuesday. That is sad indeed as no one likes to see his or her business closing down. But what makes it even sadder is more than 1000 staff lost their jobs. Hope that Jamie is able to settle this.

Google to restrict Android’s use on Huawei

A couple of days back, the Trump administration put a ban on Huawei and that sent some worrisome ripples through the world. Huawei said that Trump’s ban would hamper the development of 5G. Doesn’t bother me after what I read about how harmful 5G technology is. But I woke up this morning to another shocker. New Huawei smartphones will also lose access to popular Google apps.

Woah. Now THAT is intense.

I wonder what the implications will be. Will something similar happen to Xiaomi? I do not think so or rather, I rather hope not. After all, Xiaomi and Google have a good relationship…at least that is what can be seen in my Xiaomi Mi A1 which is an Android One phone. I wonder what else is going to happen to Huawei. Will their popular 4G dongles and 4G routers face the same issues? I do nit know. All I can say is (and I have always said it) there is no smoke without fire.

Happy Vesak Day 2019

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my Buddhist friends and relatives a very happy and meaningful Vesak Day 2019

Crown XTI 6002 power amplifier

We have installed about 4 of these Crown XTI series 6002 power amplifiers in our client’s premises. I am a bit wary of Crown’s amplifiers nowadays, compared to the ones of old like the DC300. Maybe it is because the older ones were built to last and these newer ones are not really built tough. And I was not wrong. one of them is already having issues with the power switch. It needs to be pressed a few times before the amplifier comes to life. But all that being said, here are some features:

• Peakx Plus™ Limiters provide the ultimate in system performance and protection by allowing full control over threshold, attack, and release
• Enhanced Subharmonic Synth section provides user control over frequency, gain and filter type for system-specific tuning
• 3 User-defined fan mode controls – normal, early and fullspeed – for matching fan performance to a specific application
• New system monitoring provides software visibility of AC line voltage and power supply temperature
• Integrated cast-aluminum handles for easy handling and enhanced durability
• Locking power cord clip provides a secure connection between the amplifier and power cord
• Updated HiQnet System Architect™ control software
• Increased number of presets to a total of 50; 49 of which are user definable

These amps are pretty hefty in the power department though. They rate about 3000 watts per channel in 2 ohms, 2100 watts into 4 ohms and 1200 watts into 8 ohms. They are pretty good, and they sound good. Just wish that they were not so damn fragile.

Rest in peace Bob Hawke

Hear some sad news a little while ago. Bob Hawke, the 23rd prime minister of Australia, passed away at the age of 89. As the Leader of the Labor Party from 1983 to 1991, he was the longest-serving Labour Party Prime Minister. Mr Hawke was as famous for his colourful character as his political achievements, ensuring that he has endured in the country’s affections long after his career came to a close. He reportedly held the world record for skulling a yard of beer in the quickest time when he was a student at Oxford. My dad, who in my opinion was a great judge of character, admired Mr Hawke and what he stood for. Proof right here below in a Twitter post. Rest in peace Mr Hawke.

30 years ago he granted asylum to all #Chinese students in Australia after #Tiananmen Sq massacre. My mum was one of them. My family are forever grateful for this opportunity to live and thrive in this beautiful and democratic country. #BobHawkeRIP pic.twitter.com/y0WF90GLAL

— Maree Ma (@maree_jun) May 16, 2019