Top 5 Vehicles you want in a Zombie Apocalypse

Since I've been playing games (L4D) and watching movies (28 Days Later) about zombies lately, I thought it appropriate to list some vehicles that would really come in handy for us to survive a life of mingling with the undead (or more fashionably, the infected).

5. Audi RS6 Avant

With a twin-turbocharged Lamborghini engine to get you out of trouble, enough room to sit four other survivors in comfort, and a wagon body that can carry anything from canned food to a SAW, this is the car that will let you whack zombies in style. Until you run out of fuel of course. Which is very often.

4. SMRT Bendy Bus

Once you've picked up a large group of survivors, assuming you did stop to band them together rather than ignore them as liabilities that will slow you down, a bendy bus should fill your needs nicely. Once again the space to store resources is important, plus you get lots of nice windows to shoot out of if you managed to raid any SAF armouries. Then again, more windows mean more chances for zombies to get at you.

3. 1988 Toyota Hilux

To paraphrase Jeremy Clarkson, this is the truck that lasts forever and can be fixed with a hammer when forever runs out. You would not hesitate to use this as a battering ram on a wall of zombie flesh, because it would still reliably take you home after, and a 4x4 drivetrain means you never get stuck in the loose mud that are favourite plot devices of horror movie directors. The exposed truck bed means your pals behind have a clear shot on nearby zombies. It also means they are more exposed to danger, but that's why we're the drivers, right?

2. Toyota Sai

Toyota's latest dedicated hybrid ensures long range with minimal vulnerable stops for fuel. Cruising in EV mode when the gasoline engine is switched off and silent also means you can creep up to/away from unsuspecting zombies with ease. Sure, the Prius is more economical, but it's also smaller. Plus, when you knock down zombies with your ride, you can say they kena Sai.

1. ST Kinetics Bronco ATTC

Tons of space, armour to withstand the attacks of what are essentially flesh and bone, and the ability to traverse thick vegetation and steep slopes. It can even cross bodies of water into Malaysia and some say Batam! (Is this classified info?) If there were a zombie apocalypse, this is the vehicle that I'm aiming for. Now if only someone would intro me someone who could get me into one of these during such an emergency.

Impact of high octane gasoline on fuel economy of vehicles requiring lower octane ratings

Shell announced they are taking down RON 92 from their stations by the end of June. I think they have every right to make whatever marketing decision they see fit to meet their business goals, but I hope drivers read carefully and are not misled by reports in the local media. Both sgCarMart and the Business Times carry statements similar to the following:

...Shell's research and other studies have confirmed that adaptive engine management systems found in modern cars, such as knock sensors, lead to better fuel efficiency when higher-octane fuels are used.

No qualifications are made about the conditions under which such a statement will hold true. Only the BT article included a confirmation by Henry Chu, Shell's retail general manager, that "most modern auto engines are designed for 95 or 98-octane". This is disputed in the Straits Times' coverage of the announcement with consumer groups stating "most cars do not require higher octane fuels". At this juncture I would like to add that most of Toyota's Japanese domestic models run on regular gasoline (RON 90), up to the 2.4L Camry large sedan. Regardless of who is correct, this reminds consumers not to unquestioningly accept what is being conveyed to them as "facts".

The Straits Times' article gives a clearer picture of the research findings by the Society of Automotive Engineers:

Shell's fuel technology manager (Asia Pacific) Eric Holthusen added that drivers can expect a 2 per cent improvement in economy if they switch from 92 to 95 - if the car owner's manual recommends 95 in the first place. (emphasis added)

It seems to be quite clear that if the manual for your car states RON 95 as its octane requirement, using RON 92 will adversely affect your car's performance and fuel consumption. But will modern cars originally designed to run on RON 92 gasoline receive "better fuel efficiency when higher-octane fuels are used" as well?

I would love to read the SAE research study myself but I do not have access to that paper. We might, however, be able to get some ideas from its abstract:

...it has been shown that increasing the MON of gasoline can have unexpected impacts on engine power output, with some vehicles showing almost no response to gasoline MON, or even a negative response...

This sentence seems to contradict sgCarMart's report about the study that "higher-octane fuels led to better fuel economy in all tested cars". More tellingly, another summary about the findings of the SAE study can be found in Silvis, Leighty and Karner's paper on "lay" people's perceptions of automobile energy usage:

It is interesting to note that octane is an auto-ignition inhibiter with almost zero impact on ... fuel economy of the vehicle (unless vehicle design includes high compression ratios to take advantage of high octane fuel) (Beck 2006). Most passenger cars do not have high compression ratios and therefore would not benefit from high octane fuel... (P. 10, footnote 12)

It would be better if we are able to read the SAE study in its entirety but at this point, I am sufficiently convinced that using fuel with a higher octane rating than required by my car will not positively affect anything but the oil cartel's pockets.

If you are interested, you can find out more about compression ratios at Wikipedia. Generally, high compression engines place higher pressure and heat on fuel, causing the latter to spontaneously combust instead of being ignited by the spark plugs at controlled intervals. This stresses the engine, which is why you need fuel with higher octane ratings to resist the higher heat and pressure.

“沙沙”一声，似乎有什么事物滑落在草地上...

我抬头一惊，一位老翁已背靠着地，动弹不得了...

我站起身来，却犹豫不决，直到爱人冲口一句“快扶他起来！”，我才强身上前。

我伸手到他腋下，想抬他起身，但那老翁双腿无力，只能坐在当儿唉唉作声。

他一只手揉着隐隐生疼的膝盖，另一只手指离身寸许地板的裂痕，慢慢叹到：

“地板... 高矮... 不平... 我... 明白...”

他的无奈听在耳里，我的心里又是伤感又是怜悯...

*sweeps dusty floor* Yes yes I know this place has fallen into disuse. There were many occasions since my last post where I've been tempted to share a thought but something always held me back. Mostly it was laziness to distill thoughts into words. Other times I felt my opinion was so unorthodox, I couldn't imagine bringing anyone else's train of thought around it, and yes I do grow wary of flame wars. +1 to self censorship then.

Well blogging doesn't seem to be on many of my friends' agenda either, judging at the rate they update. I usually scan through my bookmark of blogs in alphabetical order and close to half haven't been updated for months. I understand. They probably have more important things to do. 

Anyhow, I'm fine. Happily (mostly) settled at work. Got used to the pacing. Yes it's a stressful job but I'm thinking they wouldn't be paying me if it wasn't stressful right. A job wouldn't be called a job if it's easy. I mean, this level of stress is nothing. Trying to give a $500 discount to a customer buying a car but ending up giving a $5,000 discount by mistake. Now that's stress.

My love life is great. Deardear has been really understanding the past few months, coming over whenever she can just to accompany me while I mug for my exams. At least she has her Maplestory and magazines to keep her occupied. I'm just glad my 闭关修练 period is going to be over soon. The beginning of the end (pray hard!!!) of my undergraduate life will be this Wednesday, when I take my first paper for the '08-'09 academic year. I really need to pass this. I've been really lucky, never needing to 打包 any modules from years past, but I hope my luck stays with me. To be honest, I really don't think I can take another year of work and studies again. The travelling, the sacrifices, the frustrations, the guilt (when I skive)... Looking forward to the "us" time with Dearie after my exams in June =D

Anyway the inspiration for my post today is Jeremy Clarkson's damning review of the Citroën C3 Picasso:

Who thinks: “Oh no. A car has pulled out of that side turning and a collision is imminent so I must immediately find the horn button to signal some displeasure at my imminent death”? No one.

I do agree that for life and death situations, the horn is pretty useless. I remember Kelvin the biker once said, "你都看到要 accident 了, 还去 horn 什么? Brake 啦!" *nods sagely* I find it's better to anticipate and err on the side of caution by imagining all fellow road users as morons and just don't allow them the opportunity to bring you along with them when they're thinking of going to hell for a look-see.

This means I try to give as much space as possible to others on the road, and I keep my thumb ready on the horn when I'm moving into space. Here I disagree with Clarkson. A gentle "toot" on the horn can be a reminder for drivers who just happened to be too busy reminiscing about their Geylang adventures the night before to notice my little red car. Despite my kiasu stance on driving though, I still encounter heroic driving maneuvers. If they take me by surprise, I'm really not going to waste my horn on them. I'll be busy taking evasive action.

After all, my forehead will have plenty of time to use the horn when I crash.

random thoughts

do you sleep with one leg out from under the covers? cover both feet only

when was the last time you cried? a little in june

what is the last thing you drank? siraitia grosvenorii fruit juice

do you have a bad habit? lack self-discipline

could you go a day without eating? i even eat combat rations when i'm desperate

are you starting to realise anything? yes. i realise i can't stand another year of studying anymore. pleeeeease let me pass...

one thing you're looking forward to? completing my bachelor's! so i can spend my time doing... nothing... and not feel guilty about it!

have you ever cried from being so mad? yea.. mad and helpless... but that was a long time ago...

do you have empty alcohol bottles hidden anywhere? alcohol bottles are no good empty

what did you think about when you first woke up this morning? fuck. why.

what are you going to do after this? my bed - i have been looking forward to it the whole day

someone mad at you? i guess that taxi uncle who i cut off along lornie road just now... sorry lah...

is there a high chance of you going out to the movies soon? friday midnite! red clliff 2

you're stuck on an elevator with the person you've ever fallen the hardest for, what happens? call the technician to open the door?

would you ever live with anyone of your top friends? i think we'll get on each others' nerves, no.

who do you like at the moment? dearie!

have you ever read an entire book in one day? i've read books without sleeping before, but never managed to finish one in a day.

want someone back in your life? nah i'm very happy now

do you believe in second chances? depends on how the first chance was flunked. and though i do hope to get second chances, i don't think anybody should be compelled to give them.

how is your relationship with your mother? good, for a dysfunctional family XD

do you hate being alone? if i have nothing to entertain myself with, yes.

what is bothering you right now? the need to build up my savings at a higher rate

was your new year enjoyable? i slept through it cos i was so exhausted

who was the last person to play with your hair? dearie always laugh at me when i re-arrange my hair in front of every available reflective surface

are you tall? for a girl.

are you easily scared by horror/thriller films? ya i scream at the times when i remember to. mostly, i'm scrunged up in a corner, not daring to watch

if you had $100 would you spend or save it? save it, cos i rather borrow $100 from myself, than to borrow $100 from a bank, with interest.

if there was a large spider in the room, would you stay? wait. how large? the largest i saw before was as large as my torso leh. it can have my room.

where are you right now? in my room *looks around* with no spiders

are you listening to music right now? no

how's the weather today? it rained a few drops just as i was leaving tampines, but then nothing. the lord is having constipation this week.

when was the last time you were truly, completely happy with your life? i have been truly, completely happy for a very long time already =) 

when was the last time you intentionally made someone cry? never intentionally

what are you craving? fully refurbished interior, spray paint, coilovers, big brake upgrade, 4E-FTE

what's in your pocket? i wish is dearie *looks* nope, she's not there <:o

离开地球表面

nice lighting at pump room. should be made up of LEDs, and they're so bright and pretty, but yet cast a really dim glow on the dining table. i want!

my saturday's hardwork lor... glad everybody had fun at the party!

XLR! 小蓝人! i climbed onto a large cabinet to stick some deco on the walls, and found this lonely dude on the cabinet. i was up there for the better part of an hour, so to thank him for his companionship, i brought him along with me so that we can go on adventures together =D

LJS breakfast really not too bad orh~

ah balling! goddammit i'm gonna miss those bouncy tang yuans

milk tea craving just now. but the oolong milk tea that DJR brought back from taiwan is 100 times better ><

Well the past few weeks have been tiring, but I enjoyed myself tremendously. Now though, December is upon us. I have set myself the goal of starting on my revisions, and I will have to see it through now.

It's not that early if you think about it. There would be plenty of disruptions when the X'mas / NY / CNY combo comes along, so I'll be missing out on quite a bit of quality study time there. My mock (which I have never taken before in my student life) is in March, while exams traditionally start in May / June.

My hope is that starting early would prevent history from repeating itself i.e. when I slept at 5am for three continous days, for my three consecutive papers. I still cringe when I think about those Red Bull-fueled days.

So that's that. Goodbye social life. I'll miss you.

About Me

1. What time did you get up this morning? 0645

2. Diamonds or pearls? just one. diamond.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? madagascar 2

4. What is your favourite TV show? top gear

5. What do you usually have for breakfast? some form of bun or other

6. What is your middle name? wei

7. What food do you dislike? mui fan!

8. What is your favourite CD at the moment? glay greatest hits - drive

9. What kind of car do you drive? a 21 year old japanese hatchback

10. Favourite sandwich? teriyaki chicken with mayo from NP's atrium. oh my i'm hungry.

11. What characteristic do you despise? people who comment without proper research, and then refuse to accept further debate

12: Favourite item of clothing? U2 jeans

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, you´d go to: alaska

14. Are you an organized person? i plan everything to perfection, but only do what is sufficient

15: Where would you retire to? singapore's fine. no really.

16: What was your most recent memorable birthday? 22nd was the most fun, 24th was the most touching

17. What are you going to do when you finish this? read thru what i've typed cos i'm narcissistic

18. Furthest place you have been? queensland, australia (i checked using convertunits.com)

19. Where are you now? in my bedroom

20. When is your birthday? 3rd june

21. What is your shoe size? US 8

22. Who was the last person you spoke to on the phone? azel, asking him which classroom we're in

23. How many Pets? the way i'm living, it'll be cruel to keep one

24 Any new and exciting news? i'm planning to start revising on 1st dec! yay! *tears slowly roll down my cheeks*

25. What did you want to be when you were little? it's a secret, cos it's something secretive

26. How are you today? bloody sleepy

27: Favorite flower? the one that doesn't give my date an asthma attack

28. What are you listening to right now? 蘇打綠 - 頻率

29. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? 23rd Nov for K!

30. What was the last thing you ate? ee mee. and now i'm hungry again damn.

31. Do you wish on stars? no

32. If you were a crayon, what colour would you be? argh i can't choose colours

35. Favourite soft drink: quote dominic, "nothing beats a good coke."

36. Favourite restaurant? minori

37. Hair colour? black

38. What was your favourite toy as a child? ninja turtles

39. Summer or winter? autumn

41. Chocolate or Vanilla? dark, bitter chocolate

42. Coffee or tea? coffee by the sea. perfect.

43. Do you want your friends answer this meme? if they're as bored as i

44. When was the last time you cried? months back

45. What is under your bed? the guy living in the unit downstairs

46. What did you do last night? WLO CC opening! fucking good food!!!

47. What are you afraid of? balding

48. Salty or sweet? mix

49. How many keys on your key ring? three

50. How many years at your current job? coming to 1 year

51. Favourite day of the week? saturday

52. Do you make friends easily? depends on what sort of person they are

53. Do you like finding out all this stuff about your friends? if i'm as bored as they