Experts say, "Do not lose sleep over what others think about you." Generally people are naturally more interested in themselves and don't give two hoots about you. Their interests come first. Additionally they have enough problems of their own to think of yours! Do not take sleep for granted. Try going without it for a few days--- weeks --- months and you'll regret letting others control your thoughts and emotions. Give thanks with a grateful heart for good sleep. It's a tremendous blessing.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012
My son, the Petrol Head
BMW E36 with 1JZ, Is it A Good Idea?
Written by Brandon Chong
11th of February 2012
Well, for some reason you might think is good. Logically you might think, why not, a German Common Sense married with Japanese Reliability, what a recipe for a superb machine.
Well, if you are talking about the Bimmer's 4 potter M43B18 from the 318i, no doubt, you will really feel the power and torque difference. But please for God sake if you are having a M50B25, M52B28 or higher, stick to the Bimmer's 6 potter. Trust me, is not worth the sacrifice for the horse power and torque gain from the 1JZ unless you really want a cheap thrill. I had my E36 318i M43B18 swap with a 1JZ-GTE TT auto and to be honest, is awesome. Immediately you feel the difference. From a lousy 0 to 100 KPH in around 13 seconds, is now reduced to around 8 seconds. That is for an auto 1JZ, is even faster if you have a manual.
To be honest, the Germans' has yet again overdone the capability of their machines. Even with a 2.5 liters 6 potter engine from a used to be 4 potter 1.8 liters engine from the 318i, the suspension and chassis is handling the power and weight well without any need for an upgrade. Of course, for better handling and performance, you need a better suspension system. But with the stocks, I've been having quite a lot of fun biting the corners thanks to the 3 series ultimate handling capability. With the normal stock 318i set up, you accidentally transformed a noisy front tyre crying in pain that works well as an alarm that simply warns you "if you hurt me more, I will kill you". And with the 2.5 liters twin turbo, the back likes to come out and play. Easily slaps the front back to where it supposed to be. Stuff like the brakes, the rear differential is coping with the extra punishment from the 1JZ pretty well.
After all these years of combine normal use and sometimes ‘heavy foot disorder’, the BMYotaE36JZ still serve me well. Apart from the thirsty 6 potters that drink as much as it farts, you barely see 450 KM with 65 liters of fuel. Small price to pay. Really? So far so good eh. Good.
Now, we have been talking about the good things about this idea. But there are some down side for this. Takes time but eventually you will notice. Apart from some amazing functions that you get with the stock 318i engine like the Sport, Economy and Manual mode selection, the KM per litre gauge, some or most of the BMW's dashboard warning and indicator lights and some minor minor things, are no longer to be used or seen. You will find that yes, you will, after paying the toll, make minced meat of most or I should say all of the other cars like Proton, Kia, Hyundai, Merc, and yes, even a Boxter. But once you have reached 165 kph, they will be closing up the gap behind you and the Merc or Boxter will cruise pass you probably while the driver reaching the back seats searching for her earrings or eating a pie at 180 kph. Thanks to the 1JZ's speed limiters. A simple bypass will fix the trick, but so far, I am happy with 165 kph. That’s the reason why I mention, keep your BMW M50's. Easily reach 200 kph.
But the real problem is not that. The real problem is the feel of the whole experience. Is hard to explain until eventually you feel the absence of the "Originalness" of a true Bimmer. You will eventually one day, drive into a BMW Service Center to replace some of the original parts, and with your half Asian wife, people will either like you or hate you. On the outside of your heart, yes, you are having fun and the thrill is awesome. You enjoy mincing others at the sets of lights, but deep inside your heart, you feel empty without the presence of the most important element of a true Ultimate Driving Machine.
Let’s put it this way, Imagine having a life time companion (BMW Stock Engine) that understands you (the car), rather than a thrilling one night stand with a super model (1JZ) and lost your life time companion.
Given a chance to choose again, I choose the Understanding Companion. But this time, will be a S50B30. Seriously, I don't mind getting another BMW E36. But this time, it will at least be a 325i or a 328i. The feeling of owning and driving a true original Bimmer is indescribable. Due to the most important element (The Heart) that has been replaced with a different element from a different origin and history. Owning half of a Bimmer doesn’t make you a true Bimmer owner. Heck, you are not even half way there to declare as a true Ultimate Driving Machine member.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
GONE TOO SOON
CAPT. WILLIAM VAN GEYZEL
(1944-2011)
If I had known then, that it would be the last time you would walk out of your office at No. 6 and never return again, I would have found an excuse to delay and make you turn back.
I would not have let you walked alone lugging the bulging shoulder sling bag that had contained all your precious stuff --- a much used USGA Rules book thicker than my Bible, sheets and sheets of paper with your scribblings in preparation for your golf seminars, files of old MGA minutes, KGNS correspondences, a tattered copy of Daily Bread, different coloured marker pens, Insulin jabs, machine to take your blood sugar reading, a small container of glucose and sweets which you kept handy in case lunch was delayed and you went low, several nasal sprays, eye drops, and various types of medicines carefully arranged in marked pill boxes, newspapers, snacks for your grandchildren and a packet of Fishermen's Friend-- the flavour in the blue packet that both of us preferred.
That evening when you left the office at No. 6, it was drizzling but you didn't want an umbrella. Too troublesome you had said.
Usually you would ask for one of the staff to help carry your bag down to the car but not that time. And I didn't think to insist but instead accompanied you midway down the three flight of stairs.
You were king in your office domain and there was very little your staff and I wouldn't do for you. But you had insisted on carrying your own load.
I stood at the landing and watched you slowly descend the remaining way; every step an effort; your shoulders slumped, your steps faltered. I sensed your discomfort but didn't know what to say and I could only managed a muffled 'Take care'.
Upon reaching the door, you turned slowly and finding me still at the landing, you straightened up, smiled weakly and said softly, 'Bye, see you tomorrow' and then let yourself out the door.
I went back upstairs and into your office to pick up some documents but was compelled to look out the window into the street and was in time to catch a final glimpse of you getting into your car as the rain cascaded like a shimmering silky curtain. I waved and strained against the window pane as you slowly drove off and gradually disappeared from view...
How was I to know that, that would be the last time I would see you at No. 6.
Had I known that there was so little time left, I would have done things differently.
Don't we all wish for second chances?
How could we have known when you yourself were so careless of such telling signs and explained them away as mere fatigue and symptoms of 'old age'.
Your constant prolonged tiredness and pallor were unnatural and yet we didn't take heed.
If only we had paid more attention but we didn't and now you are gone and nothing will bring you back.
*************
How does one describe the uniqueness of a friendship and business partnership that had spanned almost three decades?
At my birthday celebration some years back, no amount of persuasion could get him to go on stage to say 'a few words'. Making speeches were not his cup of tea, I knew that and so I didn't even try. Not that he didn't know what to say but because in the last three decades he had said plenty already.
I, on the other hand have no difficulty in talking or writing about the man but how does one say good bye ...
William van Geyzel loved to eat and it was him who introduced me to the delicious world of food --- all sorts of food; nasi lemak, roti canai, idli, thosai, bak-kut-teh, sashimi, short ribs, spare ribs, T-bone steak, Spanish suckling pig, scrambled eggs, German sausages, baked beans and corned beef.
.... to Smart Tags, Touch N Go, Digital Cameras and Mobile Phones.
A man who brought new meaning to the word birdie, buggy, bunkers and buayas.
A man who held the remarkable record of 5 times hole-in-one (RSGC, KGNS and Tropicana GCC- twice at the same hole at the same club) a feat seldom matched by even the best of golfers and professionals.
A man who knew more about Corporate Management than Jack Welch and Peter Drucker put together.
A disciplined man who unwavered in his quest for excellence. Never one to quit, he thrived on challenges, putting right what is wrong, whatever it takes, however long it requires.
The only man who could turn order into chaos and chaos back into order and nobody would be the wiser!
A fighter in the face of adversities, a warrior in the battlefield, a leader in the industry and a babe in the arms of the Savior.
Always the 'women and children first', a true officer and a gentleman.
Capt. William van Geyzel stands out in a crowd not because of the size of his nose or ears but because he was truly a giant of a man. He was fearless and indomitable in times of trials and troubles and there were many. Defeats were not uncommon but these could never curb his fighting spirit.
Undoubtedly an eccentric man who was known to drive one to insanity but then which great man is not prone to eccentricity and craziness?
There is no doubt that Capt. William had earned a place of prominence in the Hall of Fame among the Great men who had ever lived... a symbol of wisdom, fairness, integrity, honour and strength.
Am I biased? Of course I am and for good reasons.
He has had his fair share of people who couldn't stand his arrogance and cockiness. But that was him. Better this than to be a hypocrite, he had often remarked.
He was probably regarded as a glamourous figure to the outside world but to us who knew and worked with him in close proximity, he was a great teacher, leader, mentor and protector... a beacon.
Capt. William had been taken away from us far too soon.
Although we grieve for our loss we take heart in knowing that he has gone to a far better place, where there is no more pain, suffering or tears.
In this we take comfort.
Our parting is but for a while as we cling to the hope of eternity.
Someday we shall be re-united and once again the sound of his laughter and the timbre of his deep voice will ring in our ears...
Adieu.
(1944-2011)
If I had known then, that it would be the last time you would walk out of your office at No. 6 and never return again, I would have found an excuse to delay and make you turn back.
I would not have let you walked alone lugging the bulging shoulder sling bag that had contained all your precious stuff --- a much used USGA Rules book thicker than my Bible, sheets and sheets of paper with your scribblings in preparation for your golf seminars, files of old MGA minutes, KGNS correspondences, a tattered copy of Daily Bread, different coloured marker pens, Insulin jabs, machine to take your blood sugar reading, a small container of glucose and sweets which you kept handy in case lunch was delayed and you went low, several nasal sprays, eye drops, and various types of medicines carefully arranged in marked pill boxes, newspapers, snacks for your grandchildren and a packet of Fishermen's Friend-- the flavour in the blue packet that both of us preferred.
That evening when you left the office at No. 6, it was drizzling but you didn't want an umbrella. Too troublesome you had said.
Usually you would ask for one of the staff to help carry your bag down to the car but not that time. And I didn't think to insist but instead accompanied you midway down the three flight of stairs.
You were king in your office domain and there was very little your staff and I wouldn't do for you. But you had insisted on carrying your own load.
I stood at the landing and watched you slowly descend the remaining way; every step an effort; your shoulders slumped, your steps faltered. I sensed your discomfort but didn't know what to say and I could only managed a muffled 'Take care'.
Upon reaching the door, you turned slowly and finding me still at the landing, you straightened up, smiled weakly and said softly, 'Bye, see you tomorrow' and then let yourself out the door.
I went back upstairs and into your office to pick up some documents but was compelled to look out the window into the street and was in time to catch a final glimpse of you getting into your car as the rain cascaded like a shimmering silky curtain. I waved and strained against the window pane as you slowly drove off and gradually disappeared from view...
How was I to know that, that would be the last time I would see you at No. 6.
Had I known that there was so little time left, I would have done things differently.
Don't we all wish for second chances?
How could we have known when you yourself were so careless of such telling signs and explained them away as mere fatigue and symptoms of 'old age'.
Your constant prolonged tiredness and pallor were unnatural and yet we didn't take heed.
If only we had paid more attention but we didn't and now you are gone and nothing will bring you back.
*************
How does one describe the uniqueness of a friendship and business partnership that had spanned almost three decades?
At my birthday celebration some years back, no amount of persuasion could get him to go on stage to say 'a few words'. Making speeches were not his cup of tea, I knew that and so I didn't even try. Not that he didn't know what to say but because in the last three decades he had said plenty already.
I, on the other hand have no difficulty in talking or writing about the man but how does one say good bye ...
William van Geyzel loved to eat and it was him who introduced me to the delicious world of food --- all sorts of food; nasi lemak, roti canai, idli, thosai, bak-kut-teh, sashimi, short ribs, spare ribs, T-bone steak, Spanish suckling pig, scrambled eggs, German sausages, baked beans and corned beef.
.... to Smart Tags, Touch N Go, Digital Cameras and Mobile Phones.
A man who brought new meaning to the word birdie, buggy, bunkers and buayas.
A man who held the remarkable record of 5 times hole-in-one (RSGC, KGNS and Tropicana GCC- twice at the same hole at the same club) a feat seldom matched by even the best of golfers and professionals.
A man who knew more about Corporate Management than Jack Welch and Peter Drucker put together.
A disciplined man who unwavered in his quest for excellence. Never one to quit, he thrived on challenges, putting right what is wrong, whatever it takes, however long it requires.
The only man who could turn order into chaos and chaos back into order and nobody would be the wiser!
A fighter in the face of adversities, a warrior in the battlefield, a leader in the industry and a babe in the arms of the Savior.
Always the 'women and children first', a true officer and a gentleman.
Capt. William van Geyzel stands out in a crowd not because of the size of his nose or ears but because he was truly a giant of a man. He was fearless and indomitable in times of trials and troubles and there were many. Defeats were not uncommon but these could never curb his fighting spirit.
Undoubtedly an eccentric man who was known to drive one to insanity but then which great man is not prone to eccentricity and craziness?
There is no doubt that Capt. William had earned a place of prominence in the Hall of Fame among the Great men who had ever lived... a symbol of wisdom, fairness, integrity, honour and strength.
Am I biased? Of course I am and for good reasons.
He has had his fair share of people who couldn't stand his arrogance and cockiness. But that was him. Better this than to be a hypocrite, he had often remarked.
He was probably regarded as a glamourous figure to the outside world but to us who knew and worked with him in close proximity, he was a great teacher, leader, mentor and protector... a beacon.
Capt. William had been taken away from us far too soon.
Although we grieve for our loss we take heart in knowing that he has gone to a far better place, where there is no more pain, suffering or tears.
In this we take comfort.
Our parting is but for a while as we cling to the hope of eternity.
Someday we shall be re-united and once again the sound of his laughter and the timbre of his deep voice will ring in our ears...
Adieu.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Holiday in New Zealand - the Land of Long White Clouds.
Everything they say about this tiny country is true; it is indeed God's Zone...paradise on earth.
The New Zealand Tourism Board asked for feedback on my brief stay.
What can I say?
Only that I would certainly return and when I do, I'll want to stay much longer!
And now for some serious photos on Food, glorious food; like nothing I've tasted before.
Only in New Zealand. Yum..yum
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