Houston, We've got a problem

Today, once again, I suffered from microsleep as I was driving home from work. It usually happens to me during the evening drive home. If i were to put a percentage to it, most of the occurrences of microsleep, about 70% happen in the evening (about 6-7pm ish); 25% late at night; and about 5% in the mornings.




It doesn't happen everytime, but its getting more and more often especially during the drive home from work. And the strange thing is that it usually happens then. If i work late till about 8-9pm, I dont suffer from microsleep at all. If I go gym, or go for my games of badminton and futsal after work, i dont have that effect at all.

I do feel that it is dangerous for it to happen especially since I'm almost always driving. But today's case i think was the worst I had encountered so far. Just as I was about to enter into Sg. Long, the access road leading to it (about 3km long), was jammed. This was due to numerous traffic light and pasar malam. Lo and behold, when i was stuck in the traffic, I actually closed my eyes. And when I opened my eyes, there was a huge gap between me and the car in front!! It was obvious I had microslept. It happened a few more time as we slowly moved according to the traffic light. I guess i was lucky i was stuck in the middle of the junction, or else God knows what will happen to me. I dont know if there is a cure for this, but playing music loudly didnt work for me...


Well below is what I've taken from Wikipedia about Microsleep:

'A microsleep is an episode of sleep which may last for a fraction of a second or up to thirty seconds.^[1] Often, it is the result of sleep deprivation, mental fatigue, sleep apnea, hypoxia, narcolepsy, or hypersomnia. Microsleeps can occur at any time, typically without significant warning.

Microsleeps (or microsleep episodes) become extremely dangerous when occurring during situations which demand continual alertness, such as driving a motor vehicle or working with heavy machinery. People who experience microsleeps usually remain unaware of them, instead believing themselves to have been awake the whole time or to have temporarily lost focus.

One example is called "gap driving": from the perspective of the driver, he drives a car, and then suddenly realizes that several seconds have passed by unnoticed. It is not obvious to the driver that he was asleep during those missing seconds, although this is in fact what happened. The sleeping driver is at very high risk for having an accident during a microsleep episode.

Many accidents and catastrophies have resulted from microsleep episodes in these circumstances.^[2] For example, a microsleep episode is claimed to have been one factor contributing to the Waterfall train disaster in 2003; the driver had a heart attack and the guard who should have reacted to the train's increasing speed is said by his defender to have microslept.

There is little agreement on how best to identify microsleep episodes. Some experts define microsleep according to behavioral criteria (head nods, drooping eyelids, etc.), while others rely on EEG markers.


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Boodyboy, out!!!

Hallelujah - Bon Jovi

THis is a song, which I find very moving. Written by Leonard Cohen, performed by the late Jeff Buckley, and now Bon Jovi.

This is my favourite version, taken from his live album, This Left Feels Right.

The lyrics are powerful and somehow, I can't help but delve myself into this song. Bon Jovi's vocals are amazing as usual.



Lyrics

i heard there was a secret chord
that david played and it pleased the lord
but you don't really care for music, do you
well it goes like this the fourth, the fifth
the minor fall and the major lift
the baffled king composing hallelujah

hallelujah...

well your faith was strong but you needed proof
you saw her bathing on the roof
her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
she tied you to her kitchen chair
she broke your throne and she cut your hair
and from your lips she drew the hallelujah

hallelujah...

baby i've been here before
i've seen this room and i've walked this floor
i used to live alone before i knew you
i've seen your flag on the marble arch
but your love is not a victory march
it's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah

hallelujah...

well there was a time when you let me know
what's really going on below
but now you never show that to me do you
but remember when i moved in you
and the holy dove was moving too
and every breath we drew was hallelujah

well, maybe there's a god above
but all i've ever learned from love
was how to shoot somebody who outdrew you
it's not a cry that you hear at night
it's not somebody who's seen the light
it's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah

hallelujah...



Boodyboy, out!!

Wondergirls - Nobody

Kinda got hooked to this song.

THis song is so catchy, i feel like clapping to it ;-). I prefer the korean version though
But the English MTV is more entertaining

Lyrics:

You Know I still Love You Baby.

And it will never change. (Saranghae)


I want nobody nobody But You, I want nobody nobody But You

How can I be with another, I don't want any other

I want n...obody nobody nobody nobody


Why are you trying to, to make me leave ya

I know what you're thinking

Baby why aren't you listening

How can I just

Just love someone else and

Forget you completely

When I know you still love me


Telling me you're not good enough

My life with you is just too tough

You know it's not right so

Just stop and come back boy

How can this be

When we were meant to be


I want nobody nobody But You, I want nobody nobody But You

How can I be with another, I don't want any other

I want nobody nobody nobody nobody


I want nobody nobody But You, I want nobody nobody But You

How can I be with another, I don't want any other

I want nobody nobody nobody nobody


Why can't we just, just be like this

Cause it's you that I need and nothing else until the end

Who else can ever make me feel the way I

I feel when I'm with you, no one will ever do


Telling me you're not good enough

My life with you is just too tough

You know me enough so

You know what I need boy

Right next to you is where I need to be.


I want nobody nobody But You, I want nobody nobody But You

How can I be with another, I don't want any other

I want nobody nobody nobody nobody


I want nobody nobody But You, I want nobody nobody But You

How can I be with another, I don't want any other

I want nobody nobody nobody nobody


I don't want no body, body

I don't want no body, body


Honey you know it's you that I want, it's you that I need

Why can't you see~


I want nobody nobody But You, I want nobody nobody But You

How can I be with another, I don't want any other

I want nobody nobody nobody nobody (2x)


Back to the days when we were so young and wild and free

Nothing else matters other than you and me

So tell me why can't it be

Please let me live my life my way

Why do you push me away

I don't want nobody nobody nobody nobody but you

Boodyboy, out!!!

Call me a chauvinist

Thoughts that ran thru my head as I was driving back just now.

1. I don't really fancy playing against a mixed doubles pair in badminton

2. Sometimes, i feel like idiot. Wondering why do I act so awkwardly in some situations and be as cool as a cucumber in other situations even though the conditions of those situations are almost the same?

3. Sometimes, driving back into the sunset while listening to some emo song in my CD sucks. :-(
Especially when I'm still kicking myself over item #2 above.

Okay, let me go thru the above thought 1 by 1.

1. I'm not a chauvinist, but when I play against a mixed doubles pair, my partner has to be female. I don't really enjoy having a male partner then playing against a mixed pair. My competitive nature automatically shuts down. I love to play when the teams are even.

SOme may argue that the female maybe better than male players (I agree in certain situations), but most of the time, it is the opposite that is true. Plus, being a chauvinist that some ppl reading this may think (though i vehemently deny this), I don't smash at female players. Well of course, unless both pairs are mixed then everything is up for grabs. I wont purposely aim at the girl though, otherwise it might seem that I'm so desperate to win, i'll take advantage of the weaker sex (Disclaimer: usually the weaker player).

However, if i'm the guy with the female partner playing against 2 guys, then thats a different story. I'll go all out, knowing that I can play to my potential to win.

Last but not least, I prefer to think that I practice CHIVALRY, not chauvinism.


2. I dont know if its me, but i think no matter how comfortable I am with a large group of friends or people i know, I automatically shut myself down most of the time. Suddenly my body has the urge to become a chameleon and just make myself unnoticed. I get into awkward conversations, or into no conversations at all (I'll do stuff like look busy, playing with my phone when there is absolutely nothing for me to do with it). Then I kick myself after that when i drive home alone =..=""

Of course this is something that i'm trying to change. Easier said than done, but I'm still trying. So to those people who just got to know me not long ago, its not that I'm shy or unsociable, my body somehow just cocoons itself when there is a fair bit of ppl. I'm better in small groups of maybe 5-6 ppl at most. Thats when the real me shows itself :-)


3. Thats just plain old emo me. Especially when my mind gets kicked into hyper thinking mode. Self bashing and regretting is included free at the same time :-(

But glad I got home soon, or else the day mught get gloomier, skies may seem darker (it is already dark now anyway, 7.30pm). Then the Rain and singing along to "all by myself" images will start coming to my mind.


Well anyways, those are just random thoughts that go thru my mind when i drove back. Welcome to Boodyboy's weird thoughts!


Boodyboy, out!!

D,I,S,C Assessment

I recently did this personality test in a training my company gave. So what is a DISC Assessment? Here I'll copy and paste a few Paragraphs from Wikipedia.

I'll tell you what i got after this :-)

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DISC is the four quadrant behavioral model based on the work of William Moulton Marston Ph.D. (1893–1947) to examine the behavior of individuals in their environment or within a specific situation (otherwise known as environment). It therefore focuses on the styles and preferences of such behavior.

This system of dimensions of observable behaviour has become known as the universal language of behavior. Research^{[citation needed]} has found that characteristics of behavior can be grouped into these four major 'personality styles' and they tend to exhibit specific characteristics common to that particular style. All individuals possess all four, but what differs from one to another is the extent of each.

For most, these types are seen in shades of grey rather than black or white, and within that, there is an interplay of behaviors, otherwise known as blends. The denotation of such blends starts with the primary (or stronger) type, followed by the secondary (or lesser) type, although all contribute more than just purely the strength of that 'signal'.

Having understood the differences between these blends makes it possible to integrate individual team members with less troubleshooting. In a typical team, there are varying degrees of compatibility, not just toward tasks but interpersonal relationships as well. However, when they are identified, energy can be spent on refining the results.

Each of these types has its own unique value to the team, ideal environment, general characteristics, what the individual is motivated by, and value to team.

The assessments classify four aspects of behavior by testing a person's preferences in word associations. DISC is an acronym for:

• Dominance – relating to control, power and assertiveness
• Influence – relating to social situations and communication
• Steadiness (submission in Marston's time) – relating to patience, persistence, and thoughtfulness
• Conscientiousness (or caution, compliance in Marston's time) – relating to structure and organization

These four dimensions can be grouped in a grid with D and I sharing the top row and representing extroverted aspects of the personality, and C and S below representing introverted aspects. D and C then share the left column and represent task-focused aspects, and I and S share the right column and represent social aspects. In this matrix, the vertical dimension represents a factor of "Assertive" or "Passive", while the horizontal represents "Open" vs. "Guarded". ^[2]

• Dominance: People who score high in the intensity of the "D" styles factor are very active in dealing with problems and challenges, while low "D" scores are people who want to do more research before committing to a decision. High "D" people are described as demanding, forceful, egocentric, strong willed, driving, determined, ambitious, aggressive, and pioneering. Low D scores describe those who are conservative, low keyed, cooperative, calculating, undemanding, cautious, mild, agreeable, modest and peaceful.
• Influence: People with high "I" scores influence others through talking and activity and tend to be emotional. They are described as convincing, magnetic, political, enthusiastic, persuasive, warm, demonstrative, trusting, and optimistic. Those with low "I" scores influence more by data and facts, and not with feelings. They are described as reflective, factual, calculating, skeptical, logical, suspicious, matter of fact, pessimistic, and critical.
• Steadiness: People with high "S" styles scores want a steady pace, security, and do not like sudden change. High "S" individuals are calm, relaxed, patient, possessive, predictable, deliberate, stable, consistent, and tend to be unemotional and poker faced. Low "S" intensity scores are those who like change and variety. People with low "S" scores are described as restless, demonstrative, impatient, eager, or even impulsive.
• Conscientious: People with high "C" styles adhere to rules, regulations, and structure. They like to do quality work and do it right the first time. High "C" people are careful, cautious, exacting, neat, systematic, diplomatic, accurate, and tactful. Those with low "C" scores challenge the rules and want independence and are described as self-willed, stubborn, opinionated, unsystematic, arbitrary, and careless with details.

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Well, doing the test was simple, it was just using word associations and given a particular set of words, I had to choose which words best describes be. However, the answers will not be accurate if you overanalyse the words or think about your ideal situation. It has to be done without much thought and spontaneously.

Well My results that I got didn't really surprise me. Out of a score of 22, I had 9 on both Steadiness and Conscientious, while I had 3 on Dominance and 1 for Influence.
However, I do feel that naturally this is who I am. But my ideal situation would be where I exert more dominance into my personality. Maybe thru years of polishing myself, I would be able to achieve that :-)


Boodyboy, out!!

Reflection

I've always been a fan of reflections. When ever the camera is in my hands, I will always try to capture a picture that encompasses a reflection.

I'd love to include pictures of reflections which i have taken in the past, but my PC has died, so I wont be able to show them to you today. But i would think that if you look thru my pictures in my Facebook and Multiply albums, you are bound to find a reflection shot in at least every album.

Thinking about this, I do realise that this style of photography which I favour, represents who I am in person. Friends who are close will know me as a person who does a lot of self reflection all the time. Whether this is a good thing or not, I won't know. But as far as I'm concerned, nothing is bad for you if it is exercised in moderation.

Well, maybe i do reflect more often than most people ;-p

Reflecting back is something I do all the time. Everytime I'm in the car alone it happens automatically. I reflect, but i also think ahead, ponder and wonder all at the same time when I drive. Maybe because I live quite a distance from anywhere hence driving time is the time for my mind to work itself.

Do I enjoy reflecting on a daily basis?

Well the answer is that it gives me mixed feelings. I can't control where my mind decides to ponder everytime I drive. Sometimes I reflect on the great things i have done, sometimes, the worst things that has happened to me or that may happen to me. On somedays, I just don't know why I even reflect those thoughts in the 1st place.

I guess my car is a thought bubble. Everytime I'm in it, my mind just runs riot. What if? Why? How come? What do I do? But i guess these few weeks, it's slowed down to one or only 2 things on my mind. Which is great, cause there's less uncertainty in my life.

Maybe its because of the past pace of my current job. Or the number of changes in my job that has occured around the same time I'm trying to accustomise myself there. Trying to make more friends while atthe same time, understanding everything about the company and my clients. Its tough juggling all these everyday.

ALthough I may not be able to juggle so many things at once, I'm glad to have been given this opportunity, this new lease on life. And today, the things I have on my mind while driving are so different than just a couple of months ago. Life seemed stagnant then. I wasn't going anywhere with my life. Life was a cycle then, albeit an easy 1. Today's cycle is a vicious, fast, exciting and tiring 1. But I feel energised, like a man reborn with a different mission to accomplish.

Well, I guess thats life. Everyday is different. Every month and year that passes is different. We may not know it, but i sure do reflect on them when they are gone ;-p

And remember, If a year passses without you learning anything from it, then its a year wasted. You will never get it back.



Boodyboy, out!!!

Best movies of 2009

Well, its 2 weeks into the new year now and I've posted zilch.

Once again I'm sorry if my posts are few and far between. Been having very little since i've started my new job. Waking up early and coming back tired at night needs some getting used to. And worse still waking up to year 2010 and my sister reminding me that I'm 26 this year doesn't help.
My reply to her was: but i only turned 25 less than a month ago!!!

Well this is gonna be a short post from me.

I've watched quite a lot of movies in the past year. But the sad thing is that I dont remember many of them. Which only means 1 thing, the movies didnt make much of an impression on me. Either that or I'm plain forgetful ;-p (which is more like me)

Well I have my top 3 movies of last year. This is from the movies I have watched lar... those i didnt watch may not be here eventhough you may feel its better.

3. The Time Traveller's Wife

Nice movie with your not so typical storyline. Loved the originality and the chemistry of both the leading cast.


2. 500 Days of Summer

A little indie movie that made its rounds in selected cinemas in Malaysia. I was glad to have managed to catch it and I definitely did not regret paying RM10 for it. Well worth my money for a story of falling in love, then falling out of it. Its the true story of love.


1. Up

This is by far my favourite movie this year. From the trailer, i wouldnt have guesed that this could be such a good movie. My thoughts before watching the movie was: How good could a movie be when its about an old man and a floating house??

I was dead wrong. Thank goodness I caught it in the cinema. I even watched it 2 more times on my computer.

I could feel a connection with the old man despite it being an animated film. It really touched my heart, more than any movie I have watched for a very long time.


Well, thats my short post for today. Will be hoping to put up more stuff in the near future

Till then,


Boodyboy, out!!!