Search the Community

“WHAT’S A GOOD USERNAME?!” Such was the source of my agony as I was handed a pair of figurative keys to MyAutoBlog. I’d asked the colleague from IT who was helping me set up this account if I really had to make an account with my work email, hoping I could use the username that came with my personal MCF account instead. “yes”, in lowercase no less, was what I got. Oh well. After a good 10 minutes (I think), I decided on this username (a reference I hope someone gets), juvenile and edgy as it may seem. I’m not content with my choice though. As I looked over at my Spotify immediately after I logged in to this account, I saw a username idea I liked more (“hypochondriac” - the title of one of my favourite albums which I hold dear), and as I begin writing this post another has surfaced in my mind (“textonlyyapper” - see the length of this post versus my bumbling self in person down below). It occurs to me I never formally introduced myself. Hello everyone, I’m Wei Feng. I started out in Sgcarmart doing video work, but I’ve always wanted to try my hand at writing professionally at some point in my life, having grown up reading various traditional publications like the usual broadsheets and magazines. A blast from the past, even for me (born in 1999). I had aspirations of becoming a tech journalist in primary school due to the now-defunct Digital Life weekly supplement bundled with The Straits Times on Wednesdays, and tech magazines like the-also-now-defunct Stuff Singapore and HardwareMAG (HWM, whose parent group HardwareZone should be a familiar online presence). Unfortunately, my journalism modules in polytechnic scared me off the job for a while. Also, I presumed it would be hard to get into the tech side without either knowing the right people (sigh) or making the rounds in boring departments first (Finance? Ew.). Bummer of a self-intro aside, I also started learning video editing and music production in secondary school, though it’s obvious which prevailed as a career. Nevertheless, the act of creation in various mediums has been a recurring desire in my life, and thus on top of my current job scope, part-time university and hobbies, I asked my superiors on multiple occasions for the opportunity to write. Hopefully, this not only scratches my itch to write, but also does my career trajectory some good. THE PERPETUAL CONTENT CREATION MACHINE With every piece of work, I strive to leave a positive impact. By positive, I don’t necessarily mean a favourable or pleasant impression, but primarily a sense of authenticity and intention. If my intention in creating something, struggles and all, gets across to its recipient and inspires them to make their own thing - that’s the sort of legacy I want to have. While there’s not much in the way of authenticity when it comes to the business of product reviews, I can at least forge my identity as a creator by using each video (or any creative work really) as an opportunity to try untested ideas, refine existing skill sets and occasionally stumble upon magic. It’s this sense of intention perhaps that may have helped me convert from being an intern to a full-time video editor here, and what made choosing this username so difficult. Lately, however, I feel like I’ve had to compromise on this ideal. I've sometimes struggled to find meaning in my work in recent months. As the work piles up, money comes flowing in (a little into my pockets of course), but out goes the time to explore new possibilities that could elevate the work further, and time to reflect on the results before moving on to the next project. Statistically speaking I’m doing fine (as my direct manager JayJay has told me a couple of times), but I cannot claim to feel the same way, not when existential dread fills my body lamenting my inability to strive for greater things. To be clear, Greek philosophy was not where I drew my username from. I am not cultured in that way. Perhaps that’s why my mind wandered to my username. “Ataraxia” is a term commonly found in Ancient Greek philosophies like Epicureanism and Stoicism that can be translated as “tranquillity”. A “hollow ataraxia” therefore could be construed as a false or meaningless peace, an apt description for my current predicament. One that leads to all sorts of thoughts surfacing. DOES ANY OF THIS MATTER? Plenty of literature out there grapple with ways of finding purpose or meaning in our lives, and I’d say I found mine back when I messed around with iMovie and GarageBand in secondary school. Life ever since has been a struggle to reconcile my ideals of creating what I want for a living with the reality that creative work isn’t viewed as having intrinsic value unless it provides some material value. In this age, it is content to be consumed in a moment and forgotten once the value has been delivered. I hate the use of that word. The idea that creative work gets diminished in such a merciless manner leaves me wondering what went wrong. Putting my frail state of mind aside, could you bear to say that the creators whose works inspire you are just making content? All your musical heroes and idols, the YouTubers who showed you all sorts of things, or the authors who shaped your worldviews? Or am I just deluded for wanting to pass on all these blessings I’ve received in kind? There are no answers for those. Best I can do is settle for now, in this endeavour to die or create. ~ Wei Feng Cover image: Album art for "hypochondriac" by brakence via Rate Your Music Images from: Pastamania (Singapore) via Facebook, The True Aesthete

after reading the threads i know it bring engine temp down prevents cavitation of cylinder the rest a bit technical for me what i really like to know is the bottom line what does it really do other than protect the cylinders lower fc? smoother engine? my car is on tap water, if no tangible effects then i won t be going to coolant

Hi all, Ok, I start 1st. I find that you need to turn off the car engine and use the car key to open up the petrol cap in Citroen C5. Troublesome and I wonder whether other cars have this feature as well. Regards,

I bet most of us don't know the reason for the 5th pocket ... I didn't know until I came across this article. Yahoo : Here's what that tiny pocket on the front of your jeans is really for What will you use the vestigial fifth pocket on your jeans for? The traditional "5-pocket" jeans are a staple of every guy's wardrobe, and have been for decades. With such longevity, it makes sense that some of the garment's original intent would be lost to history. Some of that intent has been reclaimed on a (quite long) Quora thread asking essentially the same question: What is that tiny pocket-in-a-pocket for? Well, it turns out, it was originally a watch pocket, meant to be just big enough to slip in a pocket watch, according to the Levi's blog. A watch in this pocket would be protected from the elements and from scratching, while still being easily accessible to check the time. Since then, watches have moved to the wrist or disappeared completely. Jeans still have the fifth pocket, though, so we may as well make use for it. Here are some common modern uses for the vestigial small pocket: Coin pocket. Ticket pocket. Condom pocket. Lip balm pocket. USB dongle pocket. Gum pocket. Lighter pocket.

noticed most hatchback, MPV and Civic FD, City and Latio etc, there is a triangle glass in front of both side mirrors as attached pic Just curious [inline mirror.JPG]

Did anyone read the column in today's ST by a snr correspondent? Although he was mainly addressing the whole COE issue, one thing that stood out to me was when he said that *some* taxi drivers only pick up enough passengers to cover their rent and then use the taxi for their own things thereafter. By extension, a taxi driver who on a given day has no errands to run might be able to collect enough rental for the next day's rent as well which mean he may use the whole of the next day to himself. If this is true (which i am sure it is as a snr correspondent would not anyhow make such statements and face lawsuit) then i guess this is the reason (or at least one of the main reasons) why though with so many new cabs each month there is still shortage of cabs. This must be very bad and must stopped. Taxi companies should set sales targets for taxi drivers (targets can be based on the 20th percentile of top drivers' sales and all other drivers must then come within 10% of their sales). So if the 20th% driver has sales of $10,000 per month, then the other drivers must achieve at least $8,000. Those who not able to hit their targets for 2 consecutive months AND 4 out of 6 continuous months will be disciplined. GPS can be used to further prove that the taxi driver is not "sincere" (going to certain places frequently where he doesn't pick up sales) and will be booted out. As for other things like pay more, etc....well, what can i say right? Everyone wants more pay. Recently bus drivers and pre-school teachers so.... I know some people might come and flame me as a "pappy dog" for saying this but i have to applaud LTA that when they removed taxis from Cat A, they did think it through and implemented something that not just relieves some of the upward pressure on Cat A but at the same time also found a way to improve taxi service standards. They did not just "bow to pressure from us" and set up a separate category for them as what many of us were saying. They did more than that. Kudos.

There's lots of news in today's paper about PRs, and the differentiation between PR and citizen. I spend way too much time here, so don't really want to start a debate on whether the policies are good or bad. Would rather take a step back and look at what your thoughts are for the fundamental purpose of permanent residency. In my view it should be used to, in the first instance provide a level of "surety" to those who have talents that will add to Singapore while they explore citizenship. So it's mostly an attraction for talent that is an interim step to citizenship. What do you think?

Hi all, Some got it for weekend shopping, e.g, a SUV or a MPV. Some husbands and Wives drive different cars so ended up 2 cars for one household. Some just want to try different made and brands , also ended up > 1 car. So where do you stand ? Regards,

What is the purpose of white card? sometimes I'm so sian that I just scribble, and don't even know what I've written.

Recently i came across an incident where there was a inconsiderate hogging lane 1 of AYE. When i finally overtook him, i turned to look at him and he had his curtains drawn about 1/4 of the window so that it is just enough to cover his face. This then happened another couple of more times with 2 other idiots. These drivers actually KNOW that they're driving badly and probably doing it on purpose hence they already cover their face from others' view. Really dun understand why got such total a-----es. Its one thing when u're unknowingly inconsiderate but to do it on purpose?

Recently I was tailed by a white Forte at night without headlight but just the pole lamp. To make things worst, the pole light was is RED color! At first I thought is was the back of a car! This was only one of the so many vehicles that have changed the color of their vehicle's lightings. Turning signal changed to white/blue or even red. Back number plate lighting using bright white LED Using yellow spot light color (though not the spotlight itself) as headlamp. All these lights modifications are being nuisance to other road users if not sending a wrong signal to them.

Hi Guys...Anyone know where can i buy the mentioned as good prices?

Saw this car in my neighborhood, why so special no. plate? Thks!

I see some NA cars having turbo timer installed and I don't understand the logic behind it. Why do NA cars need turbo timer?

Is it really to make money or is it because of a passion for cars? Cause making exotic cars is not as profitable as making mainstream one and some are not even making money. Most of the exotic car companies belongs to big companies that makes mainstream cars other than privately owned..... Tata -> Jarguar Lambo -> VW Bentley -> VW Ferrari -> Fiat Bugatti -> VW Think Porsche is the only one not owned by a company and has share in VW. Thus I just wonder if these cars are created for the passion or for economic reasons?

i'm talking about AutoBacs... either the marketing team is hopeless or its just some ploy to get ppl to talk about it... well since it has got me to post here... i guess its working... hahaha...

http://www.mycarforum.com/index.php?autoco...mp;product=8125 Saw this ad. No idea what it does. Any idea?

I used to see them selling at Autobacs and Mcwell but don't quite understand how they work. Its basically a long cylinder you connect between brake booster and intake manifold. Does it improve your braking?

hi, being an owner of a car for the first time, i have a question about car alarm. i understand stock already comes with an alarm, however after market, example: spy is a 2 way alarm.. may i know the real purpose of an alarm, apart from it's flashing led, voice talking and stuff.. is it worth the investment? is it a must to have after market alarm. no doubt, i was quite fascinated by the flashing led and some, even record songs/viper/transformer when they unlock/lock their car. i notice mini bus, lorry are all armed with after market alarm, making me wondering should i go for it too.

Here's some accompanying pictures to help you with your decision! Full List CAR OF THE YEAR 2009 Best Coupe/Cabriolet of the Year Best Family Sedan of the Year Best Executive Sedan of the Year Best Economical Car of the Year Best Multi-Purpose Vehicle of the Year Best Performance Car of the Year Best Luxury Limousine of the Year

Is there anyway I can d/l and save sms in PC?

http://www.asiaone.com/Motoring/Drivers/St...701-152085.html

Trying to see the reason of car ownership. 1) Job requirement 2) Family requirement 3) Convenience 4) Personal image

As above? Any advices???

What is the purpose of this automatic poles found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDdl4NuzKdo&NR=1, practical? Regards,