problems

got the new Zen V Plus player! i'm so excited. i'm paying it out of my pocket even before i've gotten my first paycheck. i purchased the 2GB one, black with green trimmings. it's really small, a technological marvel. what's even more exciting is that Creative's magic wand has swished again. within that player, there are functions that allow me to view pictures and videos. there is an FM radio integrated, and colour schemes are switchable. the screen is a marvel in itself. sporting a 128x128 resolution, it is actually an OLED display, which stand for Organic Light Emitting Diode display. not many know this term, but it actually is a screen that differs from other screens in that it doesn't require a backlight to make itself visible. rather, a small electric current is run across the screen, and that is sufficient for it to glow. this is a breakthrough for electronic devices that are always on the losing end of the power spectrum. such a screen uses extremely minimal power, so you can use the saved power for songs and viewing videos and the like. and did i mention, the screen is viewable from any angle? truly amazing.


however, transfer speeds are dismally mediocre. a picture album of 318mb took nearly 25 mins to transfer. i had expected something far faster from a device that supports USB 2.0 connection. however strangely enough, while transferring songs, it was much faster. supposedly the connection on this gizmo is 1.8mb/s. go figure. all in all, it's a really neat player. build quality is of the highest quality and its surface is scratchproof. totally. get it at $239 for the 2GB version, and $199 for the 1GB version. a 4GB version is also available at $309. i for one think that is a real good deal.


enough of the player. there is a problem in my ncc unit, a very unique one. i do not dare say much because this concerns a very prolific church in singapore. two of my cadets have been attending this church recently, and one of them has developed an obsession bordering on the fanatical towards this church. this church is known for its very questionable methods of worship and spreading the word. their ways of making people join their service is highly objectionable too; some might say 'force' is a better word. in a word, this church is highly UNorthodox. one of the two cadets, who holds a rank of substantial stature, has been persuading other cadets, even some NCOs, to join this church. naturally, objections abound. to make matters worse, both of them have been given official approval to skip the first day of a very important course they are to attend this sunday. worst is, this cadet of high rank is consistently late for class after recess because of a claimed "church meeting" during recess. i am worried because of several factors:

1. parents might start to think that this church and my school's unit are affiliated, which would be a disaster

2. the cadet with the higher rank might derelict his duties, of which he is on the verge of doing, if not done

3. cadets might join the church and display the same indifferent attitude the aforementioned cadet is displaying now


i'm very worried about this situation. it might get out of hand, which is why another CLT and myself have decided to see the Officer in charge to sort things out. i have no wish to see my unit being destroyed inside out because of the church's doings, especially a church of this nature. however, i'm essentially powerless to stop him from going there. all i can do is make sure he does his duties as befits his rank. if he does not carry them out well, however, then there will be a case for me to argue. i don't wish to stop him from attending service because it wouldn't be right, but i will stop him if he attitude deteriorates further. drastic measures will happen to these two cadets if they proceed further. i will make sure of that.


however, there is a problem only i among the CLTs know. another CLT is a member of that church too. i am hoping against hope that he doesn't become some alien after attending that church for long periods. so far, he hasn't.


shan't type further. i'm not about to go sit behind bars because of my statements.