The Hypes of the 3G iPhone

So the word has it that the new 3G iPhone is a lot cheaper than the previous one and in actuality it’s the reverse.  It’s marketed at almost B$2k for the 8GB version plus another B$250 difference for the 16GB.  Apparently US$200 price tag is meant for a bundled contract with a “service provider”.  There goes the anxious wait for a “cheaper” iPhone. The review does not look that encouraging either … below link is a prime example … it’s more or less the final straw so to speak …

 http://dailymobile.se/2008/07/15/apple-iphone-3g-unboxing-pictures/#more-8036

Today Is All About Two Inspiring Persons

Firstly,  a fellow workmate who’s spending his longest time offshore with short intervals in between for short onshore breaks.  Probably it’s kind of weird becoz’ we’re supposed to be onshore based staff tho’ we manage the offshore thingies.  But it seems that he’s enjoying this “experimental role” manning a “dream team” who is addressing offshore facilities integrity works.  Being closer to the real things, he has shown an appreciation towards the real problems offshore which is a valuable experience for him as well.  It’s not that bad really considering that you get wifi access, free foods and I kind of like the idea of your sleeping room is also your office.  Sometime when you did not get to see them that often, you tend to miss their presence and I feel that the people you share the office with are very much like your family members as well.  Wish him luck with his assignment tho’ we won’t be seeing him as much as we do.

Secondly, another workmate who has been missing for quite a while after his bypass surgery is finally back and it’s very motivating to see him around again altho’ he’s a lot thinner now but in a very cheerful mood.  Gosh … one moment it was our worst fear for him and it was such a relief that he’s back with his precious normal life.  Maybe there a few people that are not that lucky so an unpalatable script is avoidable this time.. thank goodness… so be mindful with what we eat .. if you value your life and your family ..

Another Kaizen Event : Project Execution

Another one again and it was quite an impromptu invitation by our section head who was unable to make it for another commitment.  The notification only came in the morning and luckily it started at 8am because I need ample time to drive to the head office plus getting the scarce parking space.  This time it was centred on project execution improvement and the whole morning was spent to run thru’ the process of a minor project management.

It thought it would be more beneficial if project engineers/managers were around with the team but then again it was pointless to dwell on the lost opportunities.  I’m starting to get a better grip on the Lean concept being the second one I was involved this year. Interestingly, one of the things we figured out was the importance of getting the things right at the very first instance especially during design stage to minimise waste or reworking at the later execution stage.  Reworking particularly if it involves offshore resources are pretty expensive.

By lunch time we almost covered half of the overall process and when you get a lot of issues at hand to discuss then suddenly time is running out in no time.  I feel it was downright funny as well when everyone was scrambling hard to get their view points across.  Reminds me of stock traders he.he.. but then that was half session gone and another one to go at some other time.  At least I feel like I’m contributing a lot compared to the normal jobs I get used to do day in day out.

Croc’ @ Belait River

Not sure this is true or what.  Apparently it was claimed to be sighted at Belait River.   Regardless, that is one hell of a big curious croc.  hehe… Now I’m not sure whether joining the upcoming Rafting Klassik is a right one or not ….

The Rest of the Movies In 2008

I know it’s already more than mid way thru’ 2008 but looks like there are quite a number of movies which are worthwhile catching up sooner or later.  Click on below link for more details …

Movies 2008 (Click Here)

Spooked For Real

This happened recently … friday’s night to be exact and boh .. I’m telling this stuff on friday’s night as well … yeah to spice things up he.he.. OK hold your breath  … back to the real thing .. My workmate happened to be involved with the abandonment project of the Ampa-6 living quarter which was made redundant years ago during the earlier Ampa-Fairley rationalisation project. 

She took the hassle to travel from another boat where she stayed during that night to witness the lifting of the living quarter and it started as early as 10 pm but still to no avail.  Everything seemed to go wrong with the shackles and winches and it wasn’t plain sailing as expected not till it was just after midnight.  When it finally came unstuck just after midnight an eerie sound of a woman’s wailing was clearly heard.

More drama to ensue when the living quarter was about to be placed on the barge and suddenly the lifting barge lost total power supply. Even starting up the standby generator set suddenly became unusually difficult and no specific problem was identified to the sudden power loss.  Everything was finally restored when it was close to 5am and eventually the lift was safely concluded without further incident.

Others on site are also claiming that they saw a headless apparition whilst taking photos with the living quarter in the background just before the lift.  Nevertheless, we never get to see the photos as yet …

Tell-A-Friend : Road Safety

Something worth sharing with the wider audience.  Stay safe folks ….

New Office Retreat

Nothing dramatic really.  I thought it would be better if they changed out the carpets first but it’s still a new layout what.  Any change is a most welcomed thing considering our new office won’t be built for few years to come and that’s becoz’ it has to get thru’ the town planning as well.  I smell it will be pretty much another extended and longer affair then.  We deserve conducive work place becoz’ it’s like a second home to us and the time you’ve to spend at the office daily is a fair reflection.  If I wish I can move to better office like the head office but then that means needlessly changing jobs again duh … oh well life has to go on …

Office Getting The Facelift

So we’re getting new office furnitures and hopefully by early next week it will be a total transformation with the office layout.  Today all stuffs are packed in the boxes and PCs disconnected to make way for the preparation this afternoon.  Well big chunks of the setting up will be done during weekends and lets see what will it be by next Monday’s morning.  Maybe I’ll post some pixs of the new layout.  I’m excited becoz’ the old layout was immensely mundane so to speak.