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hi i am posting this from my nokia n78 not sure it till work for your info i am using internet connection via wi fi

Weather Forecast for Marine Seismic Operation

Since 1999, Buoyweather.com has provided detailed, customized marine weather report and forecast. I have been using the data from this site for more than 5 years and so far proved to be reliable and useful indeed for a seismic survey planing.

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather bouys are high tech weather instruments anchored out at sea provide valuable data to the mariner. They give a glimpse of current ocean conditions by reporting the wind speeds and swell heights every hour via satellite. Buoyweather provides a different way of looking at the data. The pages emphasize graphs for easy trend analysis and adds a height and period derived surf forecast

If for a particular location that does not have real weather buoy nearby, a virtual buoy is the next best thing, or better in some ways. Virtual Buoys bring quality marine weather forecasts to remote areas of the world.

Buoyweather have over eight years historical weather data that include wave, wind, and period data can be charted for any point on Earth. Knowing what happened in the past is key to forecasting the future. This provides valuable insight on what you might expect next. And would be handy in bidding for a job especially when client (the oil companies) trying to squezee the survey in a very tight window period toward the raining season.

Eastern Echo SX124

Schlumberger is trying hard to acquired Eastern Echo a Norwegian based seismic company with USD 670 million hard cash (click here for the news). Basically, this company has no operating vessel yet! They are in the business but with no tools (vessel). And why Schlumberger want it so badly?

I browsed thru Eastern Echo website and found out that they are building a 4 new radical seismic vessel called the Eastern Echo SX124. The new vessel equipped with diesel electric engine and is claimed to be cleaner and more efficient. The bow head design is totaly out of this world. The radical design allow soft entries in waves with reduced noise and vibration level and lower pitch and heave accelerationand said to improve hydrodynamic and make it goes faster and smoother. Unlike other seismic vessels, the Eastern Echo vessel will have dynamic positioning . This is in fact more and more often a requirement for operations in the safety zone of offshore installations. In addition, with doublehull design, diesel oil will not pollute the sea if there should be an accident.This will enable access to environmentally sensitive areas. Nobody bother of the bow design before. The major player are more concern of the stern (back deck) design. The WesternGeco (part of Schlumberger group) build Geco Eagle with wide wing back deck and acquired Western Trident with 4 storey high back deck. Meanwhile PGS with the hedious triangle shape vessel that maximise the back deck area. Why want a bigger back deck? The bigger it is the more cable can be deployed and the wider coverage it can get and this is a major selling point to secure contract from the oil companies.

So the Eastern Echo is more of an Venturi EVS21 electric super car, and that is technology Schlumberger wanted badly in order to retain their industry lead for years to come.

P/S I have been onboard Geco Eagle, Western Monarch, Western Trident, Geco Beta, Geco Diamond

Comparing Seismic Vessel

The Oil and Gas Journal Online provide awesome direct comparison of seismic vessel around the world. The details include (so claimed by the author):

Company , Vessel , Year Rigged or Converted , Total Length and Beam , Streamer Configuration , AV Streamers used Prior Year , AV Streamer Length , Source Array Configuration as Rigged , Max Towable Footprint , Acquisition Capability , Acquisition Experience , Technical Capability , Onboard Processing , Full Primary Recording Media , Satellite Transmission to shore , Delivery Time after Survey , Company Address List

For USD 250 you can get the 2007 spec for the seismic vessel and would be a very usefull tools in the bidding process. Here is snapshot of the 2005 spec

Some vessel spec are easily retreieve from their respective company website but some remain elusive especially WesternGeco. But with time and correct connection ones can get on and gather a similiar data. I think I would do that.

Porsche 928

I really love classic Porsche, but most of them are not cheap especially the 911 class. However I more into the least unknown version like the 924 and 928. I saw them running down the roads few months ago and what a beauty! I told my wife before I turn 40 I will get myself a classic Porsche (or a Ferrari), but if I am to choose between 924 and 928, no doubt I would be driving a 928.

Now, with Discovery Real Time aired on Astro, there are plenty of shows with regard to refurbshing classic car. But the one that I watch the most is Wheeler Dealers, it is straight forwad deal - buy a repairable car and repair it with least money.

928 Part 1

928 Part 2

928 Part 3

928 Part 4

928 Part 5

Time for a change

The last time a bought a wirst watch was ages ago, when I was 14. It was a digital watch. I never like wearing one, so how do I tag along with time - I just bring my mobile phone with me and set a clock as it screen saver. Time for a change, I am going to get a really nice watch that will last me the next 10 years. The watch should never goes out of style plus would still be able to attract interest from peers.

It come down to two obvious but not so easy choice. The Rolex 15210 Oyster Date and Omega Seamaster 300m GMT. The Rolex looks casual in comparison to the more masculine look of the Omega. I hope my wife will get either one for my birthday (are you reading this one dear).

Maid

The first thing I do soon after my transfer is to book Indonesian maid. Since me and my wife would be busy with our works and my 'active' 1.5 year old boy need to change his cloth more than 5 times a day - we will definietly need one.

It is not cheap to get one, my sister in-law told me it would cost me RM 5,600 (all-in-one). But money is not the real issue here. Is she trustworthy? I had many bad experience with my previous maids. Shanti-stole my sister bracelet, Ani (can't remember her name)-went mad after a week and Siti-ran away.

I told my wife that the maid would just do the cleaning, I would do the cooking, she will look after my son after work and my mother in-law will take care of him while both of us are working. I just do not trust them. Then again I need them.

Here are links to few private agency that provide maid:

1. Maju Jaya

2. Pekerjaan Sentosa

3. Cita Selasih

CRV

Over the past two years my wife have been working hard and save half of her monthly income so that on the third year (which is next year) she would get her dream car an SUV.

Initially she was head-over-heel with RAV4 but eversince Honda rolled out the new CRV she just can't wait to get hold of one (first she need to transfer back to KL).

In a nutshell, CRV looks pleasant according to paultan.org, for me it just perfect for my wife. But then considering the size and with the price tag of RM 147,800 it is a bit expensive. Then again, it is almost impossible to change her mind. Case closed.

By the way, I tried to persuade her to consider the following (most of them at the same price range but most of these are more powerful and bigger):

1. Subaru Forrester
2. Peugeot 307 SW
3. The new Grand Vitara - CBU model
4. The new Citroen C4 - somming soon

Blackberry vs Window Mobile

My new job will require me to do moderate-to-heavy travelling around the country and throughout Asia. Hence, it would be great to be able to keep up with my email at all time without the hassle of turning on my laptop. All I need is phone with push email that I believe will increase my efficiency and save me time.

So which one should I get a Blackberry (BB) or Window Mobile (WM) phone. In addition to this, is the 3G service is up to the standard in Malaysia, considering the limited coverage area and expensive rate-but the telco are expanding aggresively right now.

Here are some direct comparison of BB vs WM :

1. Comprehensive comparison by laptopmag.com (BB the obvious winner)
2. Introduction to mobile email by Celcom
3. More.... watch this space

I tend to go for a BB , but having a WM would edge on (full access) to docs and spreadsheets. And hopefully (soon) I will able to make my decision of which one should I get then it would be a question of which telco should I subscribe too then of course the phone.

Looking for a Condominium in KL

I am hunting down for a condominium to buy in KL or just around it. I must say my budget is limited considering most of condo in KL are selling as if that it was made using gold bricks. It should have easy access to Taman Putra, Ampang (in-law's place) and to Selayang (where my wife work). For the floor plan a minimum would be 2+1 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms of more than 1000 sq. ft. and I am not into high floor a 7-10th floor would do fine. The neighbourhood should be friendly (not going to be easy to find one) and safe. Amenities close by would be an advantange especially train station. I am willing to spend no more than RM45ok and would prefer condominium with reasonable return value (medium to high appreciation). And I am planing to move in by early 2008.

Bistari Condominium
Location: (2) KL at Jalan Ipoh nearby PWTC and Legend Hotel (click here for map). To and From: (3) Congested road especially during peak hours but close to Mahameru Highway and Elevated Highway. Floor Plan: (1) 1044sq.ft. with 2+1 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Price: (3) RM 265K about RM 253/sq. ft. Neighbourhood: (1) Lots of Arabs renting the place during holidays and famous joint for African tourist (click here to read all about it). Amenities: (3) Putra Mall, LRT and KTM within walking distance. Age:(1) Old. Appreciation: (1) Poor

Scorecard: 15

Seri Maya Havanna Condominium
Location: (2) Outskirt KL at Jalan Jelatek, Ampang (click here for map). To and From: (3) Direct access to MRR2 highway and to Ampang. Floor Plan: (3) 1378sq.ft. with 3+1 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Price: (1) RM 400K about RM 290/sq. ft. Neighbourhood: (3) Nestled at Jalan Jelatek just off the main Jalan Ampang. Could not find any complains from the internet (click here to read all about it). Amenities: (3) In front of Setiawangsa LRT. Age:(2) New. Appreciation: (3) Good

Scorecard: 20

Angkasa Impian 1 Condominium
Location: (3) KL at Persiaran Raja Chulan (click here for map). To and From: (3) Easy access to Elevated highway and Mahameru highway. Floor Plan: (3) 1600sq.ft. with 3+1 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Price: (1) RM 405K RM 253 /sq. ft.Neighbourhood:(3) Plenty of parking bays due to low tenancy. Building maintance is fair with good security system. Amenities: (3) Located at the Golden Triangle, everything within walking distance including my office. Age: (1) Old Appreciation: (2) Fair

Scorecard: 19

Angkasa Impian 2 Condominium
Location: (3) KL at Jalan Shabat (off Jalan Bukit Ceylon) just in front of Angkasa Impian 1 (click here for map). To and From: (3) Easy access to Elevated highway and Mahameru highway. Floor Plan: (2) 1300sq.ft. with 2+1 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Price: (1) RM 420K about RM323/sq. ft. Neighbourhood: (3) Contsruction completed 2 years back. Landscaped podium and gardens, swimming pool, and wading pool, recreation deck, gymnasium, 2 squash courts and squash gallery, tennis court, multipurpose function room, launderette, surau, kindergarten, restaurant, convenience store, business center and ample covered parking lots. Amenities: (3) Located at the Golden Triangle, everything within walking distance including my office. Age: (2) New. Appreciation: (2) Fair

Scorecard: 19

Tamarind Condominium
Location: (2) Outskirt KL at Sentul East (click here for map). To and From: (1) Future road expansion with direct link to Jalan Mahameru. Floor Plan: (2) 1115 sq.ft. with 3+1 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Price: (2) RM 350K about RM313/sq. ft. Neighbourhood: (2) Plenty of contruction site surrounding the area. Amenities: (2) Sentul KTM and LRT nearby. Age: (2) New. Appreciation: (3) Good

Scorecard: 16