The Simpsons

Tell me you've never heard of them and I will run you down personally.

ever thought who are the people behind the scenes? Here's something for you Simpsons fans out there:

http://users.skynet.be/roumen/simpsons.wmv




27th of July 2007. Make yourself free people!



Duff beer.. arhhhggaahhhh..

APPRECIATE

-Totally random-

From your time to whatever you seem to have.
From what you have to what you had.
From physical properties to whatever there is left in your memory.
Nothing last forever.
Regret brings nothing back.

October 2005 : It still hurts.

Home away from Home

Chinese New Year, People! Once in a year and I ain't at home collecting red packets aka angpaos from everyone. That's a whole lot of money man!

Sheffield, being our home away from home, ain't have jacks going on the streets. Anyway, had "Reunion" dinner at Eugene's place and New Year's Dinner in Stevo! What's a get together without our great buddies? Beck's vs Kronenbourg 1664. Beck's was a safe choice and Kronenbourg 1664 was something new. German vs French. Gamblers as we are, and for the fact that one of the reasons french cars have ill designs and poor built quality is probably because they are drunk all the time, Kronenbourg 1664 was the chosen one!

Review: Not bad. Smooth, bit dilute, but still acceptable. First timers probably will like it. That 10 mins walk with that 20 bottle carton in hand was worth it.

Reunion Dinner at Eugene's place. Bah Kut Teh. without the Kut (Bone) and had "English Herbal Tea" instead.

Placing the bottles out in the cold, method of chilling beers way faster than the fridge

Group hug with buddies

Carrysbrook court, the place with the best kitchen!

New Year's Dinner

Sorry to disappoint you people but, even with all guys as chefs, no fire occurred and all were still alive and kickin the next day.

Happy Chinese New Year to all! And remember, when you had figured out one can't spend that much angpao money, and that your purse/wallet can't fit so much cash, there's always air mail. Tell me if you need my address.

Improvise

Beer:
-Nice buddy at all times. Social events, chill out sessions, meal times, entertainment, etc.
-A social remedy for certain people to loosen up and have fun.
-Overdose may cause one to be the clown of the crowd, the bitch in the gang, the slut in the club or sometimes, the dude in the coffin.

I love beer. Budweiser being my current favourite.

Beer Bottles can be used as a decorative piece like so:


To release stress like so :


Or, in my case, as a meat hammer when you don't have a proper one, like so:

*laughs hysterically*

Happy Chinese New Year to all. Post some angpaos over to the poor guy here will ya?
Drink responsibly. Don't drink and drive.

Fare well, mate!

Mr Chau Sern with his drink

Chau Sern! My brother since primary school! Sorry I couldn't send you off. Have a safe trip to the down under man. chances of meeting back in Malaysia is darn low due to the difference in season. Take care man! Get a Tasmanian chic man! All the best in your studies n stuff. Ciao man. Do take care.

Accommodation

Accommodation for the next year secured! Ain't have to sleep by the roadside and join those guys on the "Big Issue" for the second academic year. £ 57 per person per week. 3 rooms house. Nice front porch to have BBQ parties. Nice living room. Most importantly, 5 mins walk from the engineering building instead of the current 20-30 mins each day. Nice! Thank you Mario! (Our landlord looks like Mario. No kidding!)

The one on the left if you don't know how Mario looks like

source

The MINI, Again.

Yes, The mini again. This time, the new ones. Taken over from the Rover Group by BMW, the MINI is now a subsidiary of BMW at April 2001. Redesigned by Frank Stephenson, the designer that worked on the BMW X5, the Maserati MC12, the Ferrari F430, and coincidentally born in 1959, the birth year of the very first Mini.

The new MINIs are assembled in an old Morris car plant in Cowley, Oxford, United Kingdom. Based on the original MINIs, the 2006 MINI models are called the Mk I Minis. The BMW MINIs are larger in dimensions compared to the classic Minis by approximately 0.60m (3.05m to 3.63m) in length, 0.30m (1.40m to 1.69m) in width and 0.06m (1.35m to 1.41m) in height. The wheelbase of the car had also grown from 2.04m to 2.47m, a 0.43m increment.

With the increment in size and all the technology equipped e.g. air bags, air conditioning, leather seats etc., the BMW MINI had often been criticised for having a larger dimension, larger weight but a smaller interior. Certain characteristics of the classic Minis were kept i.e. the engine is still 4 cylinders and transversely mounted, the four wheels are still pushed to the side of the car.

Colour coding of the new MINIs still follows the classic Minis, with contrasting colours for the roof and the body with optional bonnet stripes. Interior of the New MINIs were redesigned with a stylish touch here and there. Run flat tyres are standard for the MINI Cooper S as the supercharger requires the relocation of the battery to the trunk, hence, no space for spare tyres.

Mk I MINI 2001-2007:

Models:

-MINI One (1.4L)
-MINI One/D (1.4L Diesel)
-MINI Cooper (1.6L Petrol)
-MINI Cooper Convertible (1.6L Petrol)
-MINI Cooper S (1.6L Supercharged)
-MINI Cooper S Convertible (1.6L Supercharged)

Other than the MINI One/D which is powered by a 1.4L Toyota diesel engine, all the MINIs were powered by Tritec engines made in Brazil until 2006 when BMW announced that the new MINIs will be fitted with British built engines, making the MINI an essentially British built car again. The new MINIs were again the star of the new Italian Job (remake) in year 2003

MkI MINI Cooper S

Interior of a MkI MINI Cooper S

John Cooper Works Mini Cooper S with GP bodykit Source

Mk II MINI 2007:

All the petrol engines had been replaced by Prince (BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroen) engines while the 1.4 diesel engine remains Toyota and the 1.6L diesel engines are from Peugeot. The newer MINIs are also larger in length due to the new safety requirements. Repositioned headlights means the headlights will not be raised up together with the bonnet when opened like the older MINIs. The new 1.6 turbocharged engine is taken from a Peugeot 207 GTi

Models:
-MINI One (95bhp, 140Nm @ 4000rpm, 0-100 km/h: 10.9s)
-MINI One Seven
-MINI Cooper (120bhp, 160Nm @ 4250rpm, 0-100km/h: 9.1s)
-MINI Cooper D (110bhp, 260Nm @ 2000rpm 0-100km/h: 9.9s)
-MINI Cooper Park Lane
-MINI Cooper S (175bhp, 240Nm @ 1600rpm, 0-100km/h: 7.1s)
-MINI Cooper S Checkmate
-MINI One Convertible (90bhp, 140Nm @ 3000rpm, 0-100km/h: 11.8s)
-MINI Cooper Convertible (115bhp, 150Nm @ 4500rpm, 0-100km/h: 9.8s)
-MINI Cooper S Convertible (170 hp, 220Nm @ 4000rpm, 0-100km/h: 7.4s)
-MINI Sidewalk
-MINI Cooper S JCW

MINI Cooper S Checkmate


John Cooper Works S source

Various tuned versions of the MINI Cooper S was introduced by several tuning companies but the John Cooper Works MINI was the fastest around Top Gear’s test track with its staggering 220 hp power plant. The newer Cooper S is now fitted with turbochargers rather than superchargers. Personally, the superchargers as gives a more superior feeling over the turbochargers but according the BMW, the switch is to make the Cooper S more appealing to the younger generation, oh well, maybe I’m getting old then. The new MINIs though bigger, claim to still have the go-kart characteristics of the classic Minis. Positive reviews had been made by car magazines and it seems that the MINIs still has what it takes to survive in this competitive world of Automobiles. Hence, making someone (you know who you are) still overly crazy over it.

PS: A little something something for you. Happy valentines day. =)

-00:00 M'sian time 14/2/2007-

Intro

Alright! A free Saturday morning (well, time shows afternoon but my body alarm shows otherwise) after snow, when else better to make an introduction? Minis were out before I did my intro.. Anyway, here goes.

Picture taken with a 1.3 Mpixel camera phone at night. sigh..

Name's Yuan Hao, currently a first year student in the Mechanical Engineering department of the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom. Birthplace: Selangor, Malaysia. Klang and Subang hybrid. A nocturnal animal in Malaysia and even in Sheffield, where there is practically nothing to do at night. Appreciate good friends, good food, and a good drink.

Main interest: Vehicles, Music, Basketball, Trekking. Am not any good in any, but do have the interest in them. Sorry, pop music excluded.

Currently enjoying Series of Boston Legal whenever I'm free. Enjoys Top Gear, Best Motoring, Drifting, Race related form of entertainment, The Simpsons, Futurama. This blog is created on requests of a few people for updates on what's happening in Sheffield and also, if possible, to get me a job. Anyboby has got job offers? Summer internships in Malaysia? Part time jobs in Sheffield? Anyway, here you go people. As you requested. A blog of my own. =)

Snow

Snow! There's finally snow! After all these days of winter without snow. Finally! some decent snow. Snowy Sheffield. Nice.. Eat snow people!

The Mini

Anybody remember the small car with the go-kart like handling that dominated the Monte Carlo Rally for some time back in 1960's?

source

Yeah. The Mini Cooper.

Champion of the Monte Carlo Rally for year 1964, 1965, disqualified in year 1966(Illegal headlamp issues) but came back and took the pole position in year 1967 again.

Small, light, and powerful, the mini's potential on the tracks was spotted by John Cooper. John Cooper then worked together with Sir Alec Issigonis producing a tuned up version of the morris mini-minor, called the Mini Cooper. The original 848cc engine was increased to 997cc, boosting the horsepower from 34bhp to 55bhp. Fitted with a close ratio gearbox and front disc brakes, the mini was set for the tracks. In 1963 the more powerful version of the mini, called the Cooper 'S' was born with a more powerful 1071cc engine and servo assisted disc brakes.

source

source

The first Mini is designed by Sir Alec Issigonis in year 1959 and was manufactured by BMC at the Longbridge and Cowley plants in the United Kingdom. Originally designed for the fuel shortage at that time, Sir Alec Issigonis designed the mini to be small and cheap, with maximised space in a small dimension. The transversely mounted, front wheel drive engine was one of it's kind at its time. Instead of conventional springs, compact rubber cones were used as suspensions for the Mini. The result: Rigid but bumpy ride. With the wheel pushed out of the corner of the car, the famous go-kart like handling of the mini was created.

MK I 1950-1967:
The first version of the mini was market under 2 of BMC's names: Austin and Morris. Austin sold the car as Austin se7en (later changed to Austin Mini in year 1962) while Morris sold the car as Morris Mini-Minor.
The suspension was changed from rubber cones to hydrolastic system in year 1964. The ride became more comfortable but car enthusiasts claimed that it spoiled the go-kart like handling of the mini.

models:
-Morris Mini-Minor Super and Austin Se7en Super
-Morris Mini Cooper and Austin Mini Cooper 997cc 55bhp
-Austin Mini Cooper 1071 S and Morris Mini Cooper 1071 S 70bhp
-Austin and Morris Mini Cooper 998
-Mini-Cooper 970 S
-Mini-Cooper 1275 S 76bhp

Mk II 1967-1969:

Some facelift were done with a new front grille, larger rear windows and some other cosmetic changes.

models:
-Austin Mini 850,1000 ,Cooper 998 and Cooper 1275 S
-Morris Mini 850, 850 SDL, 1000SDL, Cooper 998 and Cooper 1275S

Oct 1969 Austin and Morris merged the mini into one instead of two companies. The mini's were sold as the mini 850,1000, Clubman, Cooper S and 1275 GT

The MK II was featured in "The Italian Job in year 1969 and made a big hit with stunts that includes running down stairways and driving through storm drains.

source

Mk III- above 1970 - 2000:

upgrades continued to be done on the newer minis, lager doors, and cosmetic changes. The hydrolastic suspension system was changed back to the rubber suspensions in 1971 to restore its original handling capabilities and also to save production cost and weight of the car.

The production of Mini's stopped in year 2000 and was taken into production again in the year 2001 by BMW with the Mini One, Mini One/D, Mini cooper and Mini cooper S

Reference:
-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mini
-http://www.zerotohundred.com (ZTH mini club)
-http://www.motorsportscenter.com/printer_24.shtml

Will blog about the new mini's soon, but that's it for now people. Enjoy your weekend!

PS: This post WAS created specially for a certain someone. You know who you are ;)

The Autosexual

There are people you call heterosexual, those are people who shows romantic attraction towards the opposite sex (wikipedia.org). Then, there are people you call homosexual, who shows romantic attraction towards the same sex. Bisexual, is a combination of both. The most convenient type ever i suppose, either way, He/She will be enjoying it. I, on the other hand, show strong attraction towards automotives, so i assume that makes me autosexual.

Cars are my main interest, especially japanese makes. They have so many versions in their original sales catalogue, Einstein can go hay-wired trying to read it.

I am pretty bias when it come to cars, they're usually judged by countries they're manufactured in. Let's sum it up into point forms shall we?



-American cars:
gas guzzling, bad handling, non-efficient, dumb buy-me-if-you-have-too-much-money-to-waste vehicles. Their utilization of the engine capacity is the worst in the world with cars that carries a gigantic 5000cc engine that produce a mere 380bhp. They die when they come to corners, they die in reliability wise and they die in efficiency wise. If you ever think of putting the Ford GT40 up on the table and argue, think and do some research on where Ford sourced their parts from. However, they are pretty comfortable to be in if you go at road hogging speeds. Leather seats, clear stereos, beer coolers. They sure to know how to enjoy!



-Japanese cars:
One of the best and the most reliable cars are produced in Japan. The iconic Nissan Skyline had dominated the race scene across the world with it's GTR versions. Engine capacity utilization is often over 100hbp/1000cc. Handlings are amongst the best in the automotive industry. From the Nissan Skylines to the Honda Civics. Pure racing breeds to the street going hot hatches, they dominate the automotive scene with outstanding performances and affordable prices. Reliability, however, is an issue on some. Loose screws, bolts, nuts, often starts to conduct their own orchestra after 5 years or so. Performance starts to drop, interior starts to fall apart. Japanese cars are meant for modifications. Never shall a japanese car be left stock (Tuned "stock" versions excluded). Fun, light, compact, powerful, superb handling machines.



-German cars:
The germans do know how to build cars. However, never shall one get the low range models when considering a german car. Fun to drive, Fun to live in. Yes, live in. In a country where almost 300% tax is hit on imported cars like Malaysia, German cars carries a price tag similar to a house. Yes, no kidding, mates. To buy a house can be cheaper than buying a car in Malaysia. Comfortable vehicles, with proper power and proper handling. Amongst the best in the whole world. Basically an all rounder. From the roads to the tracks. From fun roadsters to full tuned track cars. Best worth for those filthy rich businessmen to prove their status (not to mention spoiled-brats to show off their parents' money too).



-Italian cars:
No, I'm not talking about fiat! Italians, only the exotics. Any range lower than that it's rubbish. Ferraries, Lamborghinies, Maseraties, Bugatties, Paganies. All great cars in one country. I can say no more. Ideal for Extremely rich individuals. Comfort, Handling, Power, all well balanced with a HUGE price tag.



-British cars:
Great vehicles when engineered. Range Rovers, Lotuses, Aston Martins, Caterham 7's.
British cars are bought for their engineering. They're all wonderful piece of engineering.



-Malaysian cars:
I'm a Malaysian afterall, ofcourse I'm not leaving this outta my blog. Proton! GTi is their pride. nice car, nice handling, nice shape, nice engine, BAD price tag. However, other than the GTi and the putra, all's gone. I'm sure those who drives a proton will atleast experience the famous window motor failure. The bent chassis (uneven doors) for those who loves to take corners. I drive a Proton Wira myself. Countless problems encountered until this day. bull crap for them who said quality had improved. Only reason to buy a proton: the import tax imposed on imported cars. Thank you tax. Thanks to you 90% of the cars that fills the roads in Malaysia are Proton/Perodua. Thank you so much I'll continue driving my proton.

I'm supposed to be revising at this hour but I'm starting a blog bout cars. Pretty much sums up the reason i'm called an Autosexual. Boring first post, I know. Hopefully it gets more interesting for the days to come. Rock on people. Self introduction will be up in no time.

*edit: I'm not driving a proton because I'm forced to, I learn from that car through all the problems. Not to mention because its a manual transmission vehicle. Don't get me wrong people. i love my car. =)