Kuan Yee Han’s Blog

Another small step in jet engine testing, but a giant leap in mankind’s quest to travel around the globe in a matter of hours. HyShot III, designed by the British, was tested yesterday in Australia and the top speed it clocked was Mach 7.6 (about 9,000 km/h). It will be followed soon by the test flight of another Hyshot engine designed by the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (Jaxa). This will be followed in June by the launch of an engine that will fly at Mach 10, designed by the Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO).

What is so special about HyShot III?
Unlike conventional rocket which carries its own load of oxygen to burn fuel, scramjet sucks in atmospheric oxygen flowing at hypersonic speed to burn hydrogen fuel. In short, it combines the best of jet and rocket technologies- the ability to tap oxygen from the air and the speed of rockets. Scramjets have the potential to carry bigger loads as compared to conventional rockets.

In the first instance, scramjets would probably be used to launch satellites into low-Earth orbit. But the success of this launch raised new hopes for future travellers to have an ultra fast, intercontinental travel. How fast is then scramjets as compared to current planes? Well, just imagine that you leave Sydney at 1200 hours and at 1400 hours, you will be in London. Although such successes should be lauded, I believe that it will take many many years before the scramjet is used in commercial planes. So, for the moment, just enjoy your nonstop flight of 19 hours.

Popularity: 1% [?]

• Leave a comment... (0)

The much anticipated Microsoft Vista is to be launched only in January 2007. Initially scheduled to be released in the second half of 2006, the reason behind the delay was to improve the security in the new system. It seems surprising to me that Microsoft decided to forgo the big chunk of sales by releasing only after the holiday season (Xmas in December, erm, Vista as Xmas gift?? Haha).

What does this mean to computer industry?
Most computers sales come occur in the fourth quarter of the year. Releasing in January means that there will be hardware but no software. So, what’s the point? There’s nothing the computer industry can do. They can just put their hands together and pray that people will buy computers with windows XPs.

What does this mean to consumers?
Well, of course they will have to wait for a few more months before getting new computers with Vista system. In a way it’s good for them (I think). Since usually prices may drop after holiday system since the sales at that time is usually bad. So, they may pay cheaper prices for computers than they would have originally. Haha. Then we should all hope the Vista to delay its launch longer so the price would be lower.
What does this mean to Microsoft?
Well, its reputation would drop, I guess. Confidence in Microsoft could be at low edge. Just a few months ago, Microsoft said that it would be releasing the new system in August. And now they said it’ll be in January. Maybe a few months later, it’ll be in June. But, hopefully the delay can really make the system works better. Hope there won’t be so much problem.

What does this mean to me?
Nothing! Haha. I just bought a new laptop late last year and using Windows XP. If I were to change my system to the Vista, I think I might as well buy a new computer. Microsoft Vista requires more memory due to its cool graphic. I haven’t use Beta version but I make my assumption here based on the Vista homepage. Although it’s cool to have your desktop turned into 3D, I guess it’ll have to come at a cost. More memory required.

Popularity: 1% [?]

• Leave a comment... (0)

David Gomez- I attended his performance today in NUS Lecture Theatre 13. This event was organised NUS Centre for the Arts (CFA) in conjuction with the NUS Arts Festival. A quick intro about him:
“Born in 1974, David Gomez has been under the tutelage of many prestigiuos piano maestros like Roberto Bravo, Walter Hauzig and Michael Davidson at the Conservatory of Rotterdam. Since his concert at the age of 14, Gomez has continued to ethral audience across Europe and Asia; and has won several awards in national as well as international competitions. His remarkable rendition of the Intergral of Mozart Sonata’s is noteworthy, alongside his first record A. Piazzolla, Tangos para piano (1999), which was well received in Europe. Recently, this highly acclaimed Spanish pianist has also represented his hometown i the prestigious IX International Piano Festival in Mexico.”

This one hour performance was attended by quite a number of distinguish guests, namely the Ambassador of Spain to Singapore, Ambassador of Chile to Singapore and Ambassador of Mexico to Singapore. His skills are worth commenting. He played almost non-stop for the whole one hour, and without looking at scores for all his pieces, around 15 of them. What actually contradicted his wonderful performance was actually the bad lighting system in LT13. It was set to so dim that I had to strain my eyes and concentrate on the pianist. And of course some even dosed off because I guess that they do not seem to appreciate the piano pieces, especially for first timer. The music coming out from the piano would sound to them like someone who doesn’t know about piano. But, I will conclude that he has performed well and I have enjoyed the evening of tangos and sonatas.

Popularity: 1% [?]

• Leave a comment... (0)

Chek Jawa is one of the rarest places in Singapore which is undisturbed by the rapid growth and development of Singapore. It’s beautiful and natural. Located on the east of Pulau Ubin, this is a place not to be missed. Yeap, and I went there last month, 26 February 2006, with some of the residents in Kuok Foundation House. It costs $8 for your trip there; $4 for boat ride (2 ways) and $4 for van ride to Chek Jawa (2 ways). Bring along a pair of shoes that you do not mind getting into the water with. You can also rent a pair of boots (Phua Chu Kang style) at $3. No non-covered shoes allowed. At low tide, water level is about ankle deep. This place is a protected area so you need to make advanced booking and get yourself a tour guide with National Parks Board. There are lots of marine creatures to be observed. I managed to see thorny sea stars, horseshoe crabs, sponges and crabs. Do visit this place if you have the chance. Bring along lots of water as well.

Popularity: 1% [?]

• Leave a comment... (1)

Here’s one commmercial which I supposed that a lot people may think that it should be banned. Well, it’s banned of course. Take a look at it and you’ll understand what I mean. I was shocked initially at this advertisement. Many would never think that such company would do this to its rival company, ermm, that’s what I thought. Well, welcome to the real world. This is the survival of the fittest.

Disclaimer: Not trying to promote Pepsi nor insult Coca Cola. If anyone find this video offensive, please place your comment here and the video would be removed.

Popularity: 1% [?]

• Leave a comment... (1)