It's me and a mini cart in this grocery store that used to be IGA on 8th Street and Cumberland Ave. I don't remember its name but it begins with the letter 'S'. 

Manoj, Eelynn, and myself at their lovely warm home. Manoj who is not even a month old in Saskatoon already noticed the ladies here in Saskatoon are better looking. He's da man... but i'm the diddy! 

The swan priding about along the river showing off its beautiful white feathered wings. When I saw this creature all I thought off was the story of the "Little Ugly Duckling". 

Mooooooose! 

Myself, mom, and my brother Andrew in a park in Moose Jaw. Behind is a family of mooses, where the largest (visible) is the 'papa' moose, then followed by mama and finally the little moose. 

My elder brother Andrew, my mom, and myself in Moose Jaw's park, the one closeby the spa centre. Shot by Eddy. 

Sun Fun

I was greeted with gloomy cloudy skies when I first opened my curtains. Should we still head off to downtown to run some errants and to treat ourselves to a couple of life's niceties? Since it wasn't really pleasant outside, I decided to take a final look at my computer system.

After having been at tech-savvy forums and tried out several things suggested by tech gurus, still nothing seems to work. I have even popped in a new graphic card into the AGP slot but still, no display. That could only mean that my previous graphic card may be running flawlessly. What, then, could just be the problem? I am going to try to change the mainboard either tomorrow or in two days and hopefully I could scream to life with the machine.

I checked outside again by taking a peek through a gap left by the curtain and could see a hint of blueness in the skies. I couldn't believe it. I got up in excitement and pulled the entire curtain out of my way and in deed, those misery causing clouds subsided in just 15 minutes. I could already see strong shadows of leaves and branches casted by the strong sun light. You betcha we're going downtown.

We checked out the cinema and decided to watch Mr & Mrs Smith at 17:15. I was made £9.00 worsed off for the tickets but two things happened that balanced things out. First, our very late lunch/early dinner was a tremendously fulfilling experience at the Nando's Restaurant. I called in a full plater of whole peri-peri chicken with medium hot-ness. Actually, I asked the cashier who was taking my order to gave me an idea what might "hot" and "extra hot" be. She torn 2 small pieces of naan bread and dipped each into the "hot" and the "extra hot" sauce and passed the former to me for my dossage. Mmmm... deliciously. I decided to make it "hot" when the "hotness" struck. She looked at me and offered the other piece of naan with "extra hot" sauce and I'm like, "can't you see??". But I declined politely... and changed my mind and made my order to "medium". The platter came and IT WAS A HUGE PLATTER!! For £14.95, it was all worth it even though I have to admit it was too much for me and HF. At the end of it all, we wished we had the "hot chick". For couples, I think I would recommend going for the hot 1/2 peri-peri chick, unless you were born to defy your stomach.

Second, the movie is worth the time and money. Out of 10 I would have rated it an 8 although I have to admit something is missing in the story line. Angelina Jolie is totally sexed up. I love the scene where they both tried to kill each other in their home and later worked things out. [I] won't try to be a spoiler now but will definitely recommend the movie (if you have nothing better to do). I'm dying to watch Madagascar, which is not released in the UK yet. Geez, and they call themselves to be on top of everything?

Accidents happen

It was such a lovely sunny 33 centigrade day today. I must be out of my mind had I stayed indoor. As soon as I got up I got out from my room and headed out and soon enough when I swung the main door open the welcoming heat from outside enwraped my entire body almost immediately. I knew it's going to be a beautiful day, unlike the miserable days before.

Later, I got a phone call from Michelle from the JobCenter. She sounded amused and probably confused too when she lamented to me an accident that should never had happened. She was typing up my CV I submitted when she, for some unknown reason, accidently put my CV into the shredder! Did she just had her coffee break or booze break in mid-afternoon? Only minutes later did she realize that when she wanted to continue typing up. Funny experience. I thought to myself that my CV would be better off in the waste paper bin.

The other accident was a bad key. I was property viewing again today. There were 4 properties to view but only seen 3. The agent had made sure he had the correct keys and later that was confirmed. He tried putting the keys through again but somehow the 'thick' door just wouldn't obey. That was okay and he didn't stop apologising as he was so sure that the keys he had in his hand 'is' the key to that door because he showed people the same property yesterday with that key. So, then he showed me around and we ended up on the apartment's lawn, where a pretty English lass in her bikini were sleeping, hoping to surprise herself with a good tanned/burnt skin when she wakes up. Besides a crappy movable BBQ set in the lawn for everybody to use, that was it. No flowers or whatever sort. Just fresh looking green mowed lawn... with a girl on it.

We were at this other property on Burley Road when Mike, the agent guy, noticed his driver's side sidemirror got smashed (a four weeks old Peugeot 306). He was repetitively hollering "Focking shit!" while looking at the already damaged sidemirror in disbelief. The guy who hit his car drove by and I noticed him waving. He was honest enough to have driven back and explain that it was his fault. Everything then was okay. The painter is going to pay for it.
How often do you meet such honest people on the street?

We have watched Harold & Kumar a long time ago under the name of "White Castle". But the DVD version was just out recently and I rented it without knowing they're the same movie. Fortunately enough, I got a credit back on the 2-night rentals disc after explaining what happened to a young lass who works there. ;)

When size & space matters

I got a chance to view several prospective properties to move into today and I am quite dismayed at the sizes of each single bedroom (studio) flats/properties ranging between £400 and £550.

Generally, the studio flats are self-contained with the living hall as bedroom, and the kitchen and bathroom is annexed to the lounge. Otherwise, it would be one way or the other. With a double bed already in the lounge, there wouldn't be much space remaining for a set of settee (2 seater or a 3 seater) as a fairly small study desk already occupies a small portion of the area.

The verandahs and stairways are mostly narrow such that only a person is able to pass through one at a time until the part where you turn to climb another flight of stairs.

A 2 bedroom units or more will not differ much from the basic single units as one just have to imagine multiplying them. If I am a claustrophobic I would have then easily taken my phobic levels to the heavens above; thankfully I am not. I bet a lot of student letting properties here in Leeds will definitely be a nightmare for people with such phobias.

I'm really planning to get as close to the city centre as possible but within a radius of 10-15 minutes walk from Leeds train station. The law department will be moving to that proximity. If successful, everything else will be ideally good.

The property I had the chance to view has quite a good reputation for security and safety. Transportation issues like bus frequencies and links are not an issue at all.

----------

On to my computer system, I have not made any reparation attempts today.

No Display but all fans are running

Last week Wednesday, after downloading and installed the latest drivers from ATI Official website for my graphics card (Radeon 9550), I decided to check out how different Catalyst, the new driver, is different from the driver that came with the box. The Catalyst software gives a lot more control to the user and, being a graphics dummy, I did not noticed much differences but I have to admit playing Counter-Strike Source is a lot more smoother and the game loads up quicker. There's probably 30% improvement. Everything went smooth and I began to convinced myself being lucky.

The next evening, I finished working on a video I shot in Saskatoon and decided to burn it onto DVD. I used Nero 6 VisionExpress to do that and left it over night as the entire process would take up to 2 hours and it was already late.

The next morning, I tried moving the mouse and keyboard to terminate Windows XP's screensaver and PowerSave mode on my TFT screen but nothing. I thought something must be faulty with my wireless keyboard and mouse, and indeed, there was no lights on the recepter/transmittor.

Ejected the DVD out of the DVD-RW drive and saw that nothing was written on it. Fine. Rebooted my machine by powering off. BIOS sequences and memory clock check were running fine. Log onto Windows and just before every programs in the background loads up successfully, the system suddenly reboots. Again, BIOS and memory check were normal, but this time the reboot interval just got shorter. It rebooted again at logon screen.

Fine. I tried getting into SAFE-MODE and didn't know what to do. It lasted longer than I expected before the random reboot hits again. This time I did not even get up to where I can hit F8 or any function keys. Rebooted again. This time, just after memory clock check, it rebooted again.

Finally, there was nothing on my screen. The reboot interval just got shorter and shorter until there was nothing to display. What is wrong? I had thought it was virus but the possibility of a virus attack has been ruled out.

Some software attacks (computer virus) will cause similar behavior but it does not cause "no display" on screen. Only very old viruses known to exist in the 60's or 70's does this. It cannot be Nimda mass-mailer virus too because I do not have opened shared-folder on the network.

The other possibilities are:
1. HDD
2. Graphics card
3. CPU
4. Mainboard/motherboard
5. BIOS battery
6. DDRam
7. PCI cards (hardwares)

First, the specifications of my desktop system:
a. ASUS P4C800E- Deluxe mainboard
b. 2 HDDs, 30GB & 80GB. Purchased another 160GB yesterday.
c. ATI Radeon 9550 128MB
d. 4 USB 2.0 ports Internal card
e. RealTek Ethernet card
f. Creative Labs Audigy 2 ZS, sound card.
g. Microsoft Wireless Keyboard/Mouse
h. SONY DVD-RW
i. 1.44" Floppy drive
j. 512 MB DDR Single Channel
k. 17" LG TFT monitor
l. 2.8 GHz Pentium IV with HT Technology

Today, I began the "Minimal Hardware Diagnosis", by removing all known hardwares that's affixed to the mainboard leaving only the necessaries -- HDD(s), Video card, Memory. Powered up... no display, but all fans are running. The running fans are Casing fans, CPU fans, and Graphic card fans. But I couldn't heard the HDD's writing sound as any would when booting up. From here, I ruled out all others except for mainboard and memory.

The displays on the casing showing a temperature of 27 centigrade, which is deemed normal.

I removed the CPU and check if it was burnt. There are no physical markings of burnt like charring or scratches. So, I ruled out CPU, thus, leaving only one more possibility--the ATI 9550 graphic card.

I just recalled that I have installed Catalyst. Could this be the problem? They no display symptom is the only belivable reason to all these. To check if there was nothing wrong with my TFT screen, I plugged it into my laptop and everything on my desktop displays on the TFT. No problems with TFT monitor then.

Now, from the video card, there could be another possibility and that is the AGP slot. Could it be damaged or faulty? Could both be faulty? If it is, what was the cause?

I read some forums outlining the potential problems/issues with Catalyst, the latest driver by ATI claiming to be one of their best innovations and improvements. I have read other issues too that, when I summarize them, the graphic card seems to be the root of all the complications. Some say that the Catalyst induce the video card to overclock itself.

Does writing DVD uses the video card's resources? I check my video card's capacitors as well as the mainboard's, but none of them were broken. All are still sealed intact. This also ruled out the mainboard's possibility.

If this is already so, I must remove the Catalyst software. But how? I need another machine to do that.

But, I'm going to try another graphic card. I have just ordered ATI Radeon 9600XT 256MB for GBP 77.00. If the problem persists, it has to be the driver or the AGP slot. If I can remove the driver from my primary HDD, and if the problem persist, it's time to change the mainboard.
We've ruled out the mainboard's possibility of being the culprit but this is as narrow as the possibility gets.

I dont think I should waste good money on these things anymore. However, I still do not know the results but I have one piece of advice, always read the Terms and Conditions, and the Knowledge Base articles pertaining to Known Issues or History of Changes to the product you are updating.

When the entire system is fixed, the diagnosis and everything that's related to the restoration and/or reparation, they will be reported here. Wish me luck!

"?"

"I wished I had never said that in such a way that led [person] misunderstands me". "I should have been more clear." "Why didn't I think clearly about what I should say next before spilling 'em out?"
These common lamentations I sometimes face feels like I would just wish for death the second after I'd utter the words that should never have said. Although words vaporize into thin air as soon as they are out of your lips, they do have devastating and permanent effects. On the other side of the coin, words can demonstrate love as much is it has the power to heal.

Frankly speaking, sometimes I wished to remain silent among all things said not because I do not care nor not know anything about it. My silence is an understatement of my true feelings on related matters. Only time can ripen my thoughts as I wish to avoid as best as I can such lamentations as the above when it is my turn to speak. Certain things cannot be pushed or rushed. I was like, "?" and felt like being accused. Whatever it is, I don't blame anybody else. After all, I just realized that it was my fault for not very eloquent.

Guess My Best Mess

Yess!At the least I can only feel the entire world's burden is on one of my shoulders refusing to be patted off. Still, the hassles of looking for a new place, getting a job, keeping busy with something constructive, earning some money, getting a car but have to look for one first, and just in... fixing my broken desktop.

However, as I am writing this down, I just realize that looking for a suitable place to move into is of utmost priority, then comes the job and car, and the rest just follows. There is but a conflict of thought as when I supposed I already have found a new place in this big city, I need some kind of transportation to move stuffs into. As provocative as the thought of having my own car as it is attractive for convenience serving us, without a job and a driver's licence, these are still an arm's length away from my grasp.

There are just too many call-centres jobs in town but I am not particularly interested. Since the product of my time and efforts is income in which will turn things which I cannot afford around and make them affordable, I can't help convincing myself "Why not?"

Currently, the most do-able mess I can clean up is the driver's licence part. DVLA has a lot of information regarding this. It will cost £38 for the application and some amount of money for the theoretical examination and then another sum for practical test. I hope I won't be spending more than a hundred pounds just for that. There are too many, I think, unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles for any and such applications. Perhaps there are just too many criminal masterminds in England that pushed the government to a corner with no other better choices but to ensure that every level of any applications the identity of the applicant is thoroughly checked and confirmed by a third party. This may not be true but at least this summarised thought is what I got.

It will be Father's Day this Sunday for the rest of the world, and I think that includes here. Don't I remember we already have Father's Day and a Mother's day here? If I was correct, then this is the only place I know that celebrates such occasion twice in a year.

Daniel was scouting for a house/place to move into when he ran into me in front of the porch of the place I was staying.

He was one of my classmates and we graduated on the same year. I remember him as a coffee-adict and funny guy who's very sturdious and very fond of politics. 

The very beautiful scene on the way to Moosejaw. This is not suppose to be missed. 

I am hoping the Police or the authorities dont find this picture. heck, I'm speeding! 

Note: Every pictures you see are clickable for a larger version.

Look, I'm the only one on the road.

Aaahh! Cars in front!  

On the way to Moosejaw, attempting this trick shot of the side mirror overlooking the skies, and the rest of the composition looking forward.

Not particularly interesting but I had to do something to keep boredom away. 

Uh, big windows.. that was what I was talking about. 

The unfolded sofa-bed revealed. This is the next to best thing I can have and has given me many good nights of sleep. I have a cable TV in front of me, easiest access to the kitchen, a big window, etc. :P 

Tracy and Charmei chilling out on the sofa-bed in which I would unfold every night to sleep on. 

Dinner time with Charmei, Jessie, Tracy, Manoj, and myself.

This is the place I lived for the duration of my stay here in Stoon. Lynn has not returned from classes yet, I think. Or maybe she was on the phone with her sweetheart... mom. 

You hair was much more attractive in the previous... where's the wind? hmm... 

Catwoman

Little looney Lynn, showing off her finished work. Hmm... a shorter version of Catwoman? wielding a "what do you call that thing??". 

Stan and myself, sporting a broken hammer which belongs to Stan. I broke it. See those limestone rocks behind us? I tried chipping off some rocks away to make way for the bonding cement. Once I tried striking too hard and the entire head piece flew off for a bit before it landed on the stairs. No body was injured. But it was a funny experience. Lynn was fortunately short enough to avoid a hospital scene. So, Lynn, stay the same and dont wish to defy gravity, ok? 

That's me patching up little cracks on the stairs. This is perhaps a time capsule for me that is never going to be opened, but ware off with time. 

Three of us together.

I wish to draw your attention to the house behind us. That was where I used to live -- 1428 14th Street East -- Soji Oyenuga is the landlord, also a good friend of mine. The coldest year in Saskatoon was January 29, 2003, with temperatures including windchills up to 58 degrees centigrade below zero. The next day, 30th, the house was burnt down. The house you see now is newly built and the Oyenuga's have now moved in. Memory lane? I believe so. 

Lynn patching up a large crack, result of weathering effects, on the stairs of the church. Stan watches and guides Lynn. 

A view to give you an impression of what's really going on.

In such extreme weather that exists in Saskatoon, these rocks are more prone to cracks and if left unrepaired the rocks will eventually fall off. We are making necessary reparations and restorations to prevent such consequences. 

After the theory part, it's now time to put 'em to practice. The pail in between them is filled with bonding cement.

If you go back to this place, you will see distinguishable cement patches that we have worked on and left. We made history.

Today, we're helping out Stan's to do of his voluntary work so as to lessen his burdens. 

Stan Danville teaching and instructing Lynn on how to mend the cracks on the stairs of Grosvenor United Church, on the intersection of 14th Street East and Cumberland Ave. 

Here's Scott, with his bag full of booze from Vancouver, where he recently returned from. I had a chance to gulp down a bottle from this treasure trove and they're guuud.