Goodbye 2007, Hello 2008

It has been somewhat of a whirlwind year. Can't believe 2007 just flew by like that. Well, some of the highlights of 2007:

1. Phantom of The Opera
2. Graduation
3. New job
4. Marriage announcements
5. Siloso Beach Resort

It's not many, but these are the truly memorable ones. I would say that time passes on so quickly that it doesn't give one much time to catch up with it.

I'm not going to write any new year resolutions, but I do have some plans and goals in my head, and I will do my best to achieve them.

Wishing everyone good health and fortune, and a wonderful new year. Cheers!

Drive me (crazy).

I love to drive. I live and breathe cars. To me, getting behind the wheel and taking a blast down my favourite stretch of road (within the legal limits, of course) is pure pleasure.

Lately however, this feeling is somewhat muted. The increased number of road users has somewhat dampened the enjoyment of driving. Not only are there more cars on the road, but the driving style of many road users leave much to be desired.

This week, I have been on the road a lot and it only serves to reinforce the fact that many can't drive to save their lives. They don't signal, they roadhog, they can't steer, they can't keep a straight line, they are not at all gracious and in the recent weather conditions, don't even switch on their headlights.

The authorities may need to go back to their drawing boards to revamp the age-old TP test for awarding the driver's license, as roads today aren't quite the same anymore. While partly it may be down to the system, a large proportion of blame has to go to the driver. Most of the time, one's driving skill and limits tend to be overestimated. Coupled with a lack of understanding of their machinery, these muppets become a hazard on the road.

The vehicle is a piece of precision machinery, and to truly learn how to operate it perfectly, one must be able to appreciate how it works, what are the handling limits, and a complete understanding of the turning circle, steering ratio, yaw rate, suspension travel and the dimensions of the vehicle. Only then, will the driver be able to judge each and every situation on the road and make an appropriate decision accordingly, as he or she is aware of how the vehicle will respond to his or her inputs.

Here's a piece of advice; if you are one of the fortunate ones of have been handed the keys to your new pride and joy, take some time out to read the owners' manual instead of tossing it aside. Spend some time driving your vehicle around, running it in properly. Understand how it reacts to your twitches and flicks at the helm. Take a feel of the size of the car, how wide or long it is, how it turns, how much of the road can you see and judge. Get to know how does it goes and more importantly how does it stops.

Remember, you are not on the road alone. Please spare a thought to other road users. I still want to enjoy my motoring, in a safe and enjoyable environment.


On a lighter note...

There is nothing more romantic than sitting in a car with your loved one beside you and raindrops drumming the roof, listening to Eric Clapton's "Wonderful Tonight" on the stereo.

Oh my darling, you were wonderful tonight...

Box Office Hit

We bind ourselves to a swear of bratherhood...

And brathers swear to be bound to one another through thick and thin...

Through belly building sessions...

2007 Box Office Hit...

Starring:

Ando Tan
Ben Lee
Wayne Tang

About a story of three brathers...

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In memory...

I was excited as usual when I flipped open my monthly subscription of Torque and was eagerly thumbing through the pages till I hit page 45 that stopped me right in that particular page.......

No, it wasn't some fabulicious automobile.

The ex-editor of my magazine, passed away in late October.

It was with most regret and sadness that I read the article, a tribute to her; so I thought I could pay a tribute to her here on my blog as well.

As a lady, she was outstanding, being the first female editor of an auto publication when she took the reins of Torque back in 2001. She was one who dispelled all the stereotypes one has of female drivers. She does not potter around town in the ubiquitous auto trans girly ride of the Kia Picanto/Peugeot 107/Citroen C1/Nissan March genre. No...

Her rides consisted of a 1998 Alfa Romeo GTV Spider, a 2001 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Type RA and a 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX GSR. All of which required the use of her left foot.

She has no qualms getting down into her driving boots and gloves, tearing down the straights of Sepang, more often than not embarrassing boys with bigger egos than brains at track days with her exquisite driving skills, and digging deep into the oily bits of her motor with her well-manicured nails.

That's not your everyday girl-next-door.

That is one amazing girl who grabbed the steering wheel and threw her car through turn 14 of Sepang with gusto.

That is a girl who did not shy away from taking the driving seat of an industry that was and still is, dominated by males.

That is a girl who was forced to take a break from writing about her passion while combating a rare illness.

That is a girl who remained passionate about her love of four wheels and fast cars.

That is what I call respect.

After a 12 year long battle with her health, she finally left the world, peacefully in her sleep on the 31st day of October 2007, at a youthful age of 30.

In Memory
Jacqueline Lim, 1977-2007
You will always be etched in the minds of fellow petrolheads...

Rustic Weekend

It was my first weekend after a week of work, and weekends are indeed precious, especially when one is working the whole week. Do not take academic life for granted, that's what I have to say. Never mind the projects, examinations; at work everyday is a big project and an examination on its own.

After typing the last post on Sunday, hon and I went to a nice little place. Actually, we went there a week ago but it began pouring once we reached there, so we couldn't get down to walk.

We like this picture, hon called it the 'Kampung' shot. Do you know where this is?

Such a nice, rustic place, away from the hustle and bustle of the urban jungle...

The lovely lush greenery, old school telephone wire post...

Rustic charm... I like.. Do you know where this is? No its not Malaysia...

Happy December

Interestingly, a year just flew by like that with the batter of an eyelid. I could still vividly remember the events that went by this time last year. Goodness gracious me, how fast we are ageing.

2008 will be a better year, me thinks.

Alrighty, will try to update weekly.

Before I sign off, trivia of the day:

How many persons can squeeze into a Lancer EX?

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The answer is SEVEN!

Messrs Wayne, Rachel, Ah Tan, Lifang, Andy, Yours truly and hon.

Who needs an MPV when you have seating solutions like us?