Visit to an American home

Dated: 08/06/2007

Have you ever wonder how an average American home will be like? What kind of food they eat? I had an eye opener today. First, their home is enormously huge!! I lost count of the number of rooms they had in the house. From the basement, there is the storm cellar and the linen room, then on the first floor, there is the normal kitchen, a huge living room completed with a fireplace, a study room and a mini storeroom, all fully furnished with carpeting and wall papers. On the second floor, there is the master bedroom, followed by either 2 or 3 bedrooms and the whole house is even completed with an Attic!! That was like WOW!! All of them are fully furnished and beautifully decorated! After touring the house, we are treated to a typical American dinner, the normal spaghetti meal, with a vegetable salad, bread and butter and of course, a can of drink. As we slowly enjoy our meal, the family will talk and update each other on the happenings of the day, comment on the recent happenings, on how Ohio and Michigan are traditional rivals (telling us a bit of the American cultures), giving us a welcome and cozy feeling. Of course, they are interested in knowing about Singapore too, which we gladly told them, about our cultures and show them where we lived on Goggle Earth! Too bad, I don't have any pictures to show of their house. Next, after dinner, one of the family members kindly show us around Sandusky. Looks like Loft, an ice-cream outlet is the attraction of the town!

This is just their small ice-cream, which I find is not "small" at all.

A beautiful sunset


A 360 view of the Cedar Point
The Ferris Wheel

17. Maverick

Maverick, Cedar Point this year opening roller coaster. Riders are treated to a amazing 95 degree angle drop, 10 banked turns at 62/92 degree, two 360 degree corkscrew, a 70 mph launch in a dark tunnel, a 360 degree "heartland roll", so full of thrill, so fun!! Are you ready for the ride?



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And now, for the professional video~

16. Top Thrill Dragster

Cedar Point stunned thrill-seekers yet again in 2003 with the debut of the park's unprecedented 16th, yes, 16th, roller coaster -- Top Thrill Dragster. Reaching a stratospheric 420 feet tall and topping out at an unheard of speed of 120 mph, this new steel screamer helped Cedar Point reclaim the title of owning the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the universe.Riders begin their epic journey aboard this whopping 42-story screamer by securing themselves into ultra-cool trains that resemble top fuel dragsters. The train then moves into a "starting line" position, where it is launched forward, reaching 120 mph in approximately four seconds. The train then zooms straight up the 420-foot-tall hill on track that rotates 90 degrees, crests the coaster's apex and then free falls back to Earth. But hold on, this isn't your father's roller coaster. As the train races 400 feet to the ground, the track twists an unbelievable 270 degrees -- what a rush! Riders then return to the station to begin regaling their friends with stories of the greatest ride of their lives.Designed by world-renowned coaster manufacturer Intamin AG of Wollerau, Switzerland, Top Thrill Dragster is located directly between two other Cedar Point legends: the Magnum XL-200 and Millennium Force roller coasters. Top Thrill Dragster was voted an impressive No. 7 in the 2005 Golden Ticket awards for the "Best Steel Roller Coaster in the World" category.

Thrill Factor: 4.5/5





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Enjoy the show~

14. Millennium Force

What else can possibly be said? Cedar Point took the roller coaster record book to new heights and speeds in 2000 with the addition of the epic Millennium Force. Termed a "giga-coaster" for its extreme height, this colossal coaster looms an incredible 310 feet above the ground and reaches a top speed of 93 mph! Millennium Force destroyed 10 world records when it debuted in the first year of the new millennium. In 2005, Millennium Force was voted No. 1 in the "Best Steel Roller Coaster in the World" category in a poll conducted by Amusement Today.Millennium Force takes its passengers over 6,595 feet of steel track that includes 310-, 169- and 182-foot-tall hills, two dark tunnels and two 122-degree overbanked turns. You will really feel that you are flying!!!

Thrill Factor: 5/5

Enjoy the show~

12. Mantis

Stand up to your fears aboard Mantis. Built in 1996, Mantis is one of the tallest and fastest stand-up scream machines in the world.Built by the same legendary manufacturers that brought guests the Raptor roller coaster, Bolliger and Mabillard (B & M), Monthey, Switzerland, Mantis is yet another unique ride experience at Cedar Point. Guests board high-tech trains and fly down a 145-foot-tall first hill at an outrageous top speed of 60 mph, all while standing up!

Thrill factor: 3.5/5 .

Enjoy the show~

11. Raptor

Raptor rules the sky at Cedar Point! Built in 1994 by the world-renowned team of Bolliger and Mabillard (B & M), Monthey, Switzerland, the Raptor roller coaster was voted No. 11 in the "Best Steel Roller Coaster in the World" category in a survey conducted by Amusement Today in 2005.Guests ride in cars that are suspended from the track above. Specially designed seats allow passengers' legs to dangle, providing the sensation of flight. Aiding that is the fact that riders go upside down six amazing times! The highlight is a first-of-its-kind ?cobra-roll,? a thrilling element that flips riders over, spirals them upside down into a 180-degree roll and repeats the twisting motion in reverse. Looming 137 feet above the Main Midway and reaching a top speed of 57 mph, Raptor is one of the tallest and fastest inverted roller coasters in the world.

Thrill Factor: 4/5

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Enjoy the show~

8. Magnum XL-200

A true legend! The Magnum XL-200 at Cedar Point didn't just break world records when it opened in 1989 - it shattered them! Standing an amazing 205 feet above the Earth below and cruising at a top speed of 72 mph, this scream machine was the tallest and fastest roller coaster ever created when it debuted in 1989. As impressive as those statistics are, coaster enthusiasts will tell you the element that makes Magnum truly a coaster king is its "airtime!" That feeling of floating over each of the ride?s intense hills helps make Magnum one of the greatest coasters of all time.The Magnum is a traditional "out and back" coaster that features 5,106 feet of track that winds its way over Soak City and along the Lake Erie shoreline, giving riders an unparalleled view of the lake and the Cedar Point skyline. In 2005, the Magnum XL-200 was voted No. 3 in the "Best Steel Roller Coaster in the World" category in a poll conducted by Amusement Today.

Thrill Factor: 4/5.

Compliments to Yeebo Photos for the above shot

Enjoy the show~

7. Iron Dragon

Built in 1987, Iron Dragon brings you over a man-made lake, going through a few drops into the mist and back to the departing station. It was supposed to make you feel like you are a dragon, but well, I find this ride too mild for me.

Thrill factor: 2/5 .

Enjoy the show~

6. Jr. Gemini

Hah, this is basically a scale down version of the Gemini for the kids. Apparently, I think Gemini was such a hit at that time that they decided to built it in 1979. Well, I cannot go on this coaster with the kids, so there is no pictures for this. Ok, moving on to the next~

5. Gemini

Built in 1978, this is finally one of the better ride in Cedar Point. The whole coaster supports are built on wood and people are climbing them everyday to check the wood and ensure that the rides are safe to ride. Gemini begins with a rather long climb upwards before plunging down at full speed down to the earth. After which, you will go through a few short and fast humps before reaching the end point. One tip for riding the coaster: Hands off the rails!! That will definitely get you on a high~

Thrill Factor: 3.5/5

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Enjoy the show~

4. CorkScrew

Built in 1976, CorkScrew gives you a 360 turn before spiralling you 3 times to the departing point. Not really trilling by my standard since it is a considerably short ride. Good for kids and relaxing if you are looking for a relatively mild ride.

Thrill Factor: 3/5

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Enjoy the show~

3. WildCat

Build in 1970, its one of the more typical rides that you can get in Singapore, considered mild by Cedar Point standard, with a few slopes that can get you high for less than 1 second. This can act as a good starter to more trilling rides later in the day. Oh ya, this ride has one bad point that I don't really like. It has a very violent braking system at the end of the ride. =)

Thrill Factor: 3/5

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Enjoy the show~

Coaster Capital of the World

Yup, its where I work, Cedar Point, Coaster Capital of the world. Its been in operation since a long time ago, with its first coaster in operation since 1964, which is the Blue Streak. Since then, it has been adding more and more coaster, and they are really awesome. Allow me to introduce you to them one by one~

So far I have been on 10 of them. Haha, slowly, when I get the Photos of them, I shall posted them all up~ For now, I shall post up those that I have ride on~

Duck Mania

First time seeing wild ducks roaming free in the wild, so the excited and curious me decided to take a few pictures of them~

2nd day at work

Dated: 10th May 2007
It is only my second day at work here and I barely can stand their weather. Hmm, think I shall give a run down of what it is like living in the USA.

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Weather

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I am faced with the extremes down here. One day, you can have a temperature hovering around 50F which is around 5C I think, and the next day, you can have a temperature racing up to a scorching 80F, which is around 25C. It is really a crazy weather system down here. When it is cold and you get the wind chill, you will really wish you had stay at home instead. you will be really shivering from head to toe!! *Brr* It's supposed to be summer time down here lor, where is my hot weather?? I would rather be hot than cold!! Must be the El Nino at fault again. Hah!

A misty second day. Wow!!

A dew-ed spider web, courtesy of the mist~ So beautiful~

A view of the shadowy tree and the Hotel Breakers, where I worked. Have the feeling of mystery??

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People

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The people here are generally very friendly. Well, most of them are quite big in size, most likely due to their cheesy diet, which I had tried to stay away whenever possible. I don't want to flunk my IPPT when I get back to Singapore. Haha. Hmm, do not be amazed when you are walking on the street when a total stranger suddenly greet you, say good morning to you or suddenly start chatting with you. They are really that friendly. I like them for their friendliness.

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Work

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I have a shift like system down here, split into day and night shift. I am currently working in the day shift, which means I have a typical working hour like, 9am - 430pm. Pretty tiring at the end of the day, considering you have to kind of rush to clean all the rooms, which means clean and wipe the toilets, replace the towels and make the beds. Totally shag out, but well, for the tips, its quite worth it. I generally get around USD$10 tips a day, Haha don't be jealous, I have to work for my trip~

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Money

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Hah! I don't like their coins system. Basically, their one-cents, which they called the pennies are pretty useless here. People usually just throw them around or even just dump them on the floor in the park. They are just so troublesome. Next its their dimes, which mean ten-cents. Its really small and hard to differentiate them from the pennies when mix together. *aiyo* Next up, its their quarter-dollar, which means twenty five cents. Next will be their dollar coins, which is kind of rare here since it is new and trying to replace their dollar notes I think. All in all, coins are just a chore to carry around in USA. No wonder they all start dumping coins as tips to me on the table la~ *faint*

First step onto Cedar Point

Sandusky basically is just a small town in the state of Ohio, about an hours drive from the Cleveland City. Normally, the town is pretty quiet and "dead" except for a few months (around June to August) when the schools are having their holidays and parents can bring their kids to Cedar Point to play and have fun. Cedar Point is renowned to be the coaster capital of the world, having a total of 17 roller coaster for all to play. Above is a picture of what the typically Sandusky town looks like. Pretty quiet right? Well, they have lots of land space down here, unlike Singapore, so their buildings are normally one or two storeys high. Even giant supermarket. Imagine NTUC hypermart all in a single storey. It's that big lar!! Can walk until you shag. Another term you will have to get used with. When people tell you that this place is just right next to each other, he will mean that you have to walk another 100 to 200 meters to reach the place, unlike Singapore, when they are really just "next" to each other. Haha, well, they have the space, thats why~

A picture of where I am staying. Looks like an enhanced version of army bunk right? Haha, well, they have stove, oven and a TV in my apartment, shared with 5 other people. Not that bad actually, with the rent rate only USD$24 a week~ At least I get to try cooking myself and see how good a chef I am~ *lol*

Dated May 27th

Yes, talk about sworn to secrecy, then why the _____. No, I do not need public announcement to the whole world, its not appreciated. Have you spared a thought to the others? Apparently not. Time and time again, chances have been given, time and time again, disappointment is the end result. Talk about sworn to secrecy, it means mentioning absolutely nothing at all, what the hell is fill in the blanks? It does not take a genius to know the answer! No thank you to you!

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Here is my answers:

You did not need to know.

No, I am not blind. So what does it feel like if I say are you blind or what to like ____? (Taste of your own medicine?)

No explanation needed.

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Stay within whatever boundary is yours and think before you act, act like a grown-up! Your beliefs are challenged and defeated, so you don't like to lose? Too bad I don't share your beliefs, I go by MY own beliefs. Giving whatever pathetic reasons to convince and support your beliefs when it does not swing towards you? Come on, grow up!

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Who is the one who started a mess and never clears it up? Who is the one who criticise a person right in the face just because you don't like the person? Who is the one who vents the anger on the surrounding people just because the person is moodless, only to apologise later? Seriously, think hard about what I have said so far.

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Enough said.

Towards Cedar Point (08/05/07)

Here is more pictures as promised! Some of the tasty meals we had on board the plane

Look at the first line!! "Aliens??" Lol

Some nice clouds

Aerial view of Cleveland

Taking a train to Sandusky, where is my working place

On board the train

Reach Sandusky and believe me, the temperature is cold!! Brr! Think around 10 degrees only!

On the Plane (still 07/05/07)

Just flew off from Changi Airport~
Random clouds~

Lunch on the plane~

Another Set of Lunch

Yok at Chang Kai Shiak Airport in Taiwan

YL, YT, Pok and me!!

And Believe me, I spent around 30++ Hours living 07/05/07!! Saw 3 sunrise on the plane~ *lol*

09/05/07- Bon Voyage Day

Bon Voyage Day, the first time that I will be travelling to the other side of the world, or should I say that this is the maximum distance that anyone can travel? Haha~ Feeling excited, wondering how am I going to cope so far away from home for the 3 months, missing my friends and family~ Anyway, thanks to many of the people who came especially to send me off that day~ Haha~ Did not expect so many of you to turn up :P

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Well, pictures speak a thousand words~

Thanks Marilyn, Fabian, Geraldine and.... Guan Ze!! Haha, Ze, it's the thoughts that counts~ Appreciate it~
Thanks my dear class, the EVE's~ Woot!
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Thanks Muggerhooders, haha, I didn't have the pictures with me now, so can't upload it~
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Thanks my band of brothers- KY, SEL
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And, thanks to my mom, who came especially to send me off~

Results

Yes.. for the 4th time this sesmester, my CAP is going up again!! Whaha! Now it stands at 3.14.
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Here are the results
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CE2183 Construction Project Management B-
CN2116 Reactor Design C+ (Ya, as espected, I hate this module!)
ESE2001 Environmental Process A-
ESE 2401 Water Science Technology A-
PH2213 Metaphysics S
SSA2202 Changing Landscape of Singapore S
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Sem CAP : 3.625
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GZ, WHAT IS YOUR SCORE!! I want my treat!!! Hahaha

MOE Busary Award

Yes!! Its a success!! Haha~ $800 more!!! But then, the money doesn't go into my account~ =( *lol*

Historic Landmark

18th of May; and most importantly 23rd May!!
=)
All right folks, I am off early for the first time today, so I am here blogging away. The wireless service down here has just been back up, or so they claimed, so I shall try to connect later using my friend's laptop. If successful, there will be pictures!! Haha, everything is fine here, with the weather behaving freakishly! One day you can get a cold chill of 4 degrees, and the next, you can have a cool weather of 25 degrees! yeah the weather is damm extreme here, but luckily, I am coping well. Times short, till next time~

Sorry for the late post

Haha, well folks, sorry for the late post, been very busy working and partly due to the wireless Internet at the center that is down since "don't know" when and they just did not get it fixed. Well update soon when the wireless is up or when I get days off next week. Hopefully, I can have time to post photos up. The connection speed here is really CMI!! I feel like I am using a 56k modem connection. =(

The Anxious

Excited - That I am going on a journey far far away.
Sad - That I will be leaving so many things behind that I cannot bare to part with.
Anxious - That whether I have not missed out anything in my luggage.
Happy - That I have met so many friends and relatives these past few days.
Frantic - That I think I still have so many things to stuff into my tiny 25' luggage.
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Full of feelings, all mixed up into one, just what am I feeling now? I wish to know, but I do not know.

PH 2213 Metaphysic

Attempted 3.25 out of 4 questions. Mass plagiarism of lecture notes, hoping that I got the answers that he wanted. Enough said. Estimated: S

Spiderman 3

This movie was way cool!! Simply entertaining!! Many of you may have wonder, how is Spiderman 3 going to be filmed when Peter Parker has already revealed his identity to so many people. I tell you, in spiderman 3, he is not hiding his identity anymore. Well, at least all the villains know who to look for when they decide to hunt spidy down *lol* There is two new villains in this movie, namely Sandman (or Mudman when he touches water) and Venom (totally disgusting, just like some alien from outer space). In spiderman 3, spiderman has sort of become a new celebrity in town where everyone adore and love him (Eww, that's so not spidy..). His new found fame has make him to be over-confident and neglect his friends and family around him. Even worse, his new found power (the venom stuffs from outer space) is slowly converting him over to the dark side (Oh No!!). Well, I shall not say too much here least this post will become a spoiler. Hah! A great movie to watch with several fast action battle scenes, cool spidy suits, several attempts of funny situation and several touchy scenes. Watch out for the Goblin Junior!!! Next movie: Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At world's end!!!!!! Ahoy! "Welcome to Singapore" --- Quoting Chow Yun Fat~ *lol*

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Thanks Fabian for helping me to get the 1GB micro SD card~

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Hmm, a needle just poke my arm!!! *argzzz* I Hate needles!!!!

FUGA movie kakis outing

Went for another round of K-singing at Marina South at 11am. Thanks Perry, Fab and Gera for showing up. :) Really lucky that we can catch the last 4 set of K-Lunch at the counter due to the cancellation of 2 reserved places, thanks to the person who cancelled, whoever he/she is~ Haha. Well, surprised that I can sing so many songs right, Gera? You never know~ *lol*

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After K-Ing, Perry left for school to continue mugging for his last paper on Thursday. Good Luck!! All the best for your paper on Thursday!! We continued walking aimlessly around Suntec; resting for a while at the Suntec food court for Fabian to finish his erm.. "tea??", Marilyn joined us for dinner at around 6pm. Remember, must get me a "big" gift 4 months later hor~ haha~ Dessert at Ben & Jerry, Thanks Gera and Mary for the treat~

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On a side note, Cleveland is the 8th most polluted city in USA leh!! And I am going there?? Somebody pass me a gas mask please....