The WTFable Me.

Low Profile

2012-01-01T02:12:00.002+08:00

Truth is, I like to keep things at low profiles.

Yes it hurts a little to see friends posting their couple photos on the web, to be able to show their love for each other freely.

I've been with her for more than a year now. And honestly, we don't take photos together very often, neither do we go out often. It's just plain, simple and precocious love, this one we share together. We get along fine though we don't spend too much time together. Because simply, we trust each other.

I don't really enjoy publicity, and people trying to follow me too often or whatever. It annoys the hell out of me but still I take it as a compliment, with a pinch of salt.

Oh, and Happy 2012 to all my readers.

If You Wish To Know

2011-11-28T22:37:00.003+08:00

This is my timetable for the coming trimester. Don't know why but I'm getting restless easily nowadays. Did I enroll in the correct university after all?

R.I.P

2011-11-03T00:08:00.002+08:00

When I was young, he told me that I had great promise and potential to be a good violinist.

And what did I 'repay' him with?

Not even reaching Grade 8. That's quite... disappointing.

Rest in peace, Master Tan. May your legacy live on.

Someday I might decide to take my violin out and re-immerse myself in it once again to relieve the memories. Who knows?

Quit

2011-10-27T01:56:00.002+08:00

Suddenly I realised that you can do so many other things without certain distractions!
突然间才发现少了让你分心的事情，你平时能够做的，真的还多呢

For me, that distraction has to be Facebook.
面子书对我来说是种杂念

Yes yes I know how people compliment about it being a tool for the latest news and information and how it bridges long, lost and faraway friends together but seriously, it has actually become more of an obsession than a part-time leisure tool. One rule of life is to stop being obsessed with one thing that brings more harm than good.
我也明白不少人称赞面子书是个流行的媒体传播主要物，而且能让好久不见、极为罕见的朋友在一起。可是他开始变成了一种困扰。人生中少了这些让你执着不迷的事情，才能活到开心。

The goal is to experiment how much better I can spend my life with, without the distraction of Facebook.
目的地是为了显示少了面子书我还可以用我的时间，来做什么更好的事情？

If there's anything out there that you, my readers feel like conveying to me, you may add me up on Google+ (which requires no approval haha, and my circles haven't even reached 60) or just follow me on Twitter, Tumblr and contact me through my DiGi number (Maxis number in hibernation mode due to malfunctioning W910i).
有什么事情就过来谷歌+加加我，或者在Twiiter 、Tumblr等跟随我，还是通过DiGi号码联系我。

Anyone asking me when I'll reactivate my account?
The answer ranges from tomorrow(any last minute group meeting/discussion using Facebook) to next year (yes, why not?) to the time I graduate (to show how much I've changed).
何时才有可能重开我的帐户？
也许明天，也许明年，甚至到我毕业那时候……

Have a nice day!

The First University Level Exam

2011-10-13T14:04:00.003+08:00

Passed the first exam with GPA of 3.2

Content? Barely.

Happy? No.

One part of me wants to lodge for an appeal for re-evaluation of exam results, the other wants me to satisfied for what I've done and punish myself for being overconfident.

But it just seemed so wrong for my computer subject to get a measly B- when I seriously contemplated scoring -almost- the full 100 marks in the paper. Oh well, the same goes with cell biology, knowing that I can't answer just ONE question, but the others were alright, I was thinking about ace-ing this subject as well. That the outcome was a lowly B- meant I wasn't the most delighted person on Earth for obvious reasons.

I wish to see myself in the Dean's List in the coming semester.

Untitled.

2011-09-25T03:48:00.002+08:00

Finally my first ever finals in degree life has ended.
终于考完了人生中第一次大学文凭考试

Back at home, plan to spend my holiday wisely.
回到家了，该好好利用这个假期来补充自己

Work out, gaming, songwriting, movies, sports...
健身，打机，写歌，看电影，运动……

And then prepare myself for the next semester.
最后，当然是要为新的学期做好准备。

Avoid slacking.
避免颓废

Getting Ahead of Myself

2011-09-17T03:51:00.002+08:00

Actually I always doubt myself.

Why the fark am I aiming for 4.0 when my CGPA is at a lowly 3.1 during my foundation?

People may think I'm kidding or somewhat doing something almost similar, but for me, I don't feel easy seeing others being able to achieve it and yet I can't. I do not want people discouraging me from being able to be the best but if that's what they are keen on continuing, so be it.

Studying is like a football league season.

We all start at the same 0 points.

As the season begins, you'll see the better teams taking points faster than the weaker ones. In the end, the champions accumulated the most points, and wins the championship.

And those who failed to keep up with the rest are left behind.

There's no point in starting brightly and fading slowly as the season continues, you just have to be consistent all the while.

SO what's the hindering factor?

The fact that sometimes you have to face sleeping members during assignments?

The fact that you got careless in an exam question you are extremely familiar with?

Or simply because of the fact that you cannot keep yourself away from pampering yourself with entertainment?

I'd pick the third one without thinking.

Oh, and advice for some of you.

I don't mean to be lan si or anything like that but...

You shouldn't exceed 2 years doing your Pre-U studies. Anything more than that is...failure.

Football season returns

2011-08-06T17:18:00.003+08:00

Honestly I've never looked forward so much to a new football season before.

Finally settling down with a group of footie fans and frequenting mamaks once again, I bask in the nightlife together with my fellow fanatics and enjoy our football in tandem!

As most of you should have known, the blogger himself is a prudent Man United fan. (Planning to buy the new 3rd kit for the new season, got myself the home - albeit a fake replica - kit at Thailand a few months back) We won the league quite unexpectedly last season (it was running to Chelsea in the early stages), reminding me that the league is not won in the first few matches of the season!

Third kit

Predictions for this season?

Us to remain champions again. Hopefully.
Van der Sar will not be easily replaced for sure and there'll be worried moments for our new number 1. I'm always skeptical whenever a keeper gets replaced after a title-winning season, such as Barthez being replaced by Ricardo, Carroll, Howard, Kuzszcak and finally, van der Sar...it looks like we needed to try several times before we get the right one. Hopefully we get the right one on the first time though, for this season. I've watched de Gea in some Atletico matches and the U-21 WOrld Cup, and I must admit he's quick and agile, with a large physical presence as well. And he saves many penalties as well. We pray that he gives us the edge in matches where we least expect teams to sit back and defend, while managing to handle the pressure.

Lots more to expect from this United side too, with the vision (not tackling) of Paul Scholes surely to be missed, we will require some CMs to beef up and take their game to the next level. I for one am not supporting the idea of signing Wesley Sneijder. To me he's just overrated and hasn't been playing exceptionally well since the departure of Jose Mourinho and the World Cup.

I'd say we develop our youngsters and give them more playing time. Anderson has displayed some potential during last season, being able to thread passes and get into good positions. Cleverley played well on loan at Wigan, getting goals as well. But the playmaker role may not be used too extensively during the course of our campaign, which means we may well be playing with two defensive midfielders (Carrick - Fletcher/Gibson) most of the time. The wings will have more rotation with the arrival of Ashley Young. Either the industrious Valencia or the brilliant-but-frustrating-at-times Nani will have to be sacrificed to accommodate our new number 18. Young can play as a second striker as well. The arrival of Young also lessens Giggs' burdens as a left winger, and he will undoubtedly be used less in the coming season. Park on the other hand, will be transformed into a CM when the need arises, but he will of course be an invaluable asset to us, being a big-game player. He was one of the better players in the 3-1 defeat to Barca, stifling the runs of Lionel Messi. Obertan will need to take his game to the next level, after being labelled as 'non-Man Utd players' together with Bebe last season. Gibson needs more playing time, and probably will seek pastures anew, with his long range shooting not as prominent as before.

Our forward line will almost have Wayne Rooney as the central figure. Either Berba or Hernandez will be playing together with him. Shocked as Owen did not leave yet. With Welbeck and Macheda back, our forwards will have a lot to prove. Mame Biram Diouf is another one who will most probably not be playing much next season, but let's hope he's on the level of the two other loanees last season.

The defence will once again hinge on the Rio-Vida wall. Smalling has proved to be an able deputy for both, but let's keep our fingers crossed he won't be another Jonny Evans, who did well the season before last, but was horrid in our title-winning one. Phil Jones will be a replacement for versatile man John O'Shea, while the da Silva twins will both be given more time on the right flank. Patrice Evra will also be our cornerstone in left back unless he suffers from a huge loss of form. Brown will not be missed too much, hopefully, and we will have Oliver Gill to step up the plate in his absence.

It'll be good seeing us form an attacking line up for the new season, switching emphasis from 4-4-1-1 to 4-4-2 and to 4-3-3 if the need arises.

GK: David de Gea
DEF: Fabio da Silva - Nemanja Vidic - Rio Ferdinand - Patrice Evra
MID: Nani - Michael Carrick - Darren Fletcher - Ashley Young
FWD: Rooney - Hernandez

Subs: Lindegaard, Rafael da Silva, Phil Jones, Anderson, Park Ji-Sung, Ryan Giggs, Danny Welbeck

Our main title challengers will undoubtedly be moneybags Chelsea and Man City. Arsenal will probably not be a serious contender without Fabregas or Nasri, who are expected to leave, unless they beef up their squad. I pick Liverpool as our closest challengers. They are not involved in Europe this season, and have a large squad to choose from. If they fail to win a trophy this season it will be a little surprising. Manchester City will no doubt be serious contenders, and if their new Argentine signing comes good (I do not need to remind you of the impact the last major Atletico Madrid signing had on the BPL, right? He's the Chelsea number 9 anyway), together with compatriot Tevez they will have a strikeforce to be reckoned with. You just have that feeling that Chelsea, not being the big spenders yet, will not relish their chances in the BPL. They have consistency, and have a young coach at helm, it'll take time, but I don't see them being champions, with their squad aging. If old guards Lamps, Terry, Drogs or Anelka get injured, they'll be in big trouble. City can afford to have expensive strikers on the bench, and they have a deeper squad with able players. Tottenham can be challengers only if they keep consistent, especially with the likes of Bale, van der Vaart and Modric(isn't he going to Chelsea anyway?).

All in all, we should heed Rooney's advice and start with a bang, starting with Man City in the Community Shield tomorrow. Glory Glory Man United!

What's degree life like?

2011-07-29T01:20:00.002+08:00

As most of you are aware I'm currently pursuing my Bachelor degree of science in biotechnology in UTAR.

Honestly I wasn't sure why I took this course but I'll leave that indecision for the coming years.

I've heard that degree life is different from foundation life, in that the course will be much more difficult.

So far I've not really got the chance to experience this 'quantum leap' in difficulty, instead I find myself having more time for leisure, and that doesn't mean that I'm skipping classes more often than not, because I've skipped classes less. Maybe it's because the tutorial classes are held on only 4 weeks per trimester.

Yeah, that should be it.

I used to spend large amounts of time at home finishing my tutorials (especially physics and maths ones, and since I'm not taking both domains this trimester, I'm free from constant exercises to remind me of certain complicated steps in order to solve mathematical problems or weird equations in physics leading to unexpected results). And giving me so little to do I know I'll slowly rot off before I have time to prepare myself for the finals.

Lab reports are more troublesome in degree. Instead of procedures, you write methodologies, which is about the same thing but still a bit different anyway. Oh, and your introduction carries marks. Loads of them. References must be written in APA format and conclusions are longer than foundation reports as well. But the absence of physics graphs are a huge sigh of relief. Believe me, I used to spend hours just to find the gradient and error percentages for physics experiments. However, lab reports do come out more frequently though, and the deadlines are tight. Squeeze in assignments and constant quizzes and tests (Cell biology alone has six), and you have a huge pile of workload in front of you.

The key to being free? Complete your tasks early. Presentations? Be the first group to present, and you can afford to be absent in the coming lectures without having to worry about your turn. Complete chunks of your report on the day of issuing, leaving the complicated stuff for later (definitely not pre-deadline day) and you'll have time for entertainment. But as always, study first. Quiz at the end of the week? Study during the weekend before.

I know I am not supposed to judge or give advice since my results are a little to the side of lackadaisical compared to most of you here, but if you happen to ask why I'm so free at times in this 'stressful' degree life, here's my answer for you.

What lies ahead?

2011-07-02T00:06:00.005+08:00

Posts like this don't come every once in a while.

Lately I've been reading some book I bought from a bookshop. It's called

Title is self-explanatory. How will modern science shape our lives by the year 2100?

*If you're thinking about teleportation, spoiler alert. There's nothing about it in this post.*

Call it irony if you may, but as to why I actually chose biotechnology for my degree course I do not even have a concrete reason. Honestly I'm more interested in physics, astronomy, nanotechnology... but it's true that all fields of sciences must work in tandem in order to move our society forward.

The laws of physics seem to have governed the universe for eternity. As for those who actually figured them out (Newton, Einstein, de Broglie, Planck to name a few), I can show nothing more than full respect and admiration for them.

We continue to grow exponentially day by day. Whether it's the human population, advances in gadgets or (admittedly, quality sliding down instead of going up) music and entertainment, there are many obvious changes since the turn of the century. You can bring a man from 1945 post-war Japan to the modern world and he'll probably say that he is in another world when you bring him to downtown modern Tokyo.

Our advances in computing have been predicted correctly by Moore's Law, stating that our computers get more and more powerful exponentially. Eventually we will have computers and the Internet in the future like we already have electricity and running water now. They will become basic commodities. Discovery of room temperature superconductors will lead to magnetic cars everywhere, and the roads will become obsolete. Fusion reactors will proliferate on the planet, ending the need to rely on natural resources and radioactive elements.

But two particular parts of this book actually hit me hard.

How, will nanotechnology shape our future?

And,
how will the future of medicine be like?

Hypotheses may vary, but if perfection of nanotech particles are to be achieved, we can very much change the way society functions. Nanotechnology is the way for the future, at least in my eyes. We will most probably send nanites to other star systems since they require minimal amounts of propulsion to send them to near the speed of light. Nanites will also be responsible for regulating our human body, killing cancer cells by the second, thus we might finally find the cure for cancer. But the crowning glory of nanotechnology will be the introduction of self-replicating nanites. Often we see these in games such as Command & Conquer 3(those little things which repair your damaged vehicles near factories) and Megaman X(goo that replicates itself into two separate entities and does surface damage to you). It is ill-advised to incorporate artificial intelligence into these creations, but with the advanced computer technologies in 2100, it may be possible to control these little 'things' to avoid proliferation. Then comes the job of these nanites. To carry out several jobs deemed impossible by present day scientists (sticky fingers and careless hands, they say, prevent nanites from carrying out their jobs). Once such inventions are realised, one can create the replicator, the holy grail of material science. You simply throw raw materials into this machine, and nanites inside it assemble them together, giving you a wholly new material after processing. Science fiction? Maybe just for now, not in another 100 year's time.

For the future of medicine, the nanites previously mentioned are just one of the ways of curing previously fatal diseases. Gene sequencing and artificial plasmids get into this category as well. Our entire genome will be easily made available to us in the future, letting us discover which disease we are more prone to. However, one thing struck my mind more than anything, and kinda boosted my (wilting)interest in biotechnology.

The possibility of eternal life, or even reverse aging.

I realised that certain genes control our aging processes. We just need more time to search for these genes then we can manipulate them to our liking. (The discovery of sirtuins, proteins found in red wine that can ensure a longer lifespan when activated by resveratrol caused quite a media frenzy, with red wine businesses booming overnight). So if one can master the fundamentals behind this, he may reverse the aging process and extend lifespans(if one can manage to find why reptiles have such long lifespans, he can manipulate it at his own peril). And that may just be the tip of the iceberg.

These discoveries are not false. They may become prominent in the future. It's just out of our imagination for the time being(you can't envision us reaching the moon if you are from 1869, trust me). The only doubt for me is the perfection process, which might take more talent(and time) than we first envisaged to materialise.

I hope to be in the footsteps of people who have contributed to our future technologies, even if I might not make it to the day mankind see it for themselves.

Thanks, Professor Kaku, for the inspiration.

Do check out this website for more.

PTPTN

2011-06-26T04:27:00.002+08:00

Nothing much to say here.

To those who didn't get their PTPTN loans, I'm sorry to hear about that.

But for me I do not like owing people something, especially this government organisation.

So, I didn't apply for it. Fact.

To dance with my father again

2011-06-19T14:44:00.001+08:00

Just to get a simple message across, whether he be alive, or has returned to the other side...Happy Father's Day.

Degree Timetable

2011-05-31T18:13:00.000+08:00

My first timetable for degree. Cheers.

Compilation Part 2- Miscellaneuos

2011-05-24T10:01:00.002+08:00

-Sem 1-
Friends: Got to know all of our tutorial groupmates. Few others outside this particular circle, mostly those whom I've known before coming to UTAR.

Eateries: Besides the basic eateries in new town Kampar, notable new and never-been-to places include a Yong Tau Foo shop in the very heart of Kampar village and another in faraway Lawan Kuda(thanks to CF buddies :) )

Studies: Thought it'd be easy after the first round of tests but slacked out.

Co-curriculum: Participated in Talentime and got together with CF mates often. Midly active.

Timetable highlights: Monday classes start at 12pm.

-Sem 2-
Friends: After going solo for timetable arrangement, got to know more friends and get some new experience in handling group assignments. Still get along well with ex-groupmates. Some left after not being able to cope/got better alternatives.

Eateries: Still hung around the eateries in Kampar, but at least tried Old town stuff.

Studies: Tried hard to adapt because what I've heard was that this sem will be the most difficult out of the three. Surely the case after doing badly for first round of tests(exclude Physics), improved in second test, finals was a breeze.

Co-curriculum: Musical gathering performance. Highly inactive.

Timetable highlights: Tuesday's 8am-6pm classes, consisting of eight hours in total.

-Sem 3-
Friends: Still preferred to be with old group mates. Going solo for timetable again, met some friends but didn't keep in contact too long.

Eateries: Didn't venture past the ones I had in the last two sems.

Studies: Was doing well and avoided failures in tests, but screwed up Bio. Finals was tough. Glad to have came out unscathed.

Co-curriculum, participated in Talentime performances, watched Karaoke competition(was thinking about entering but due to time restraints, decided against it). Otherwise, inactive.

Timetable highlights: Followed my draft 100%. Skipped 80% of my Physics lecture(went to another one instead).

Compilation Part 1- Results

2011-05-21T01:50:00.003+08:00

Compilation of UTAR experience part 1 - Results

-Sem 1-
GPA: 2.8156

Critical Thinking: B+
Thought I'd get an A but seems my expectations are way off the mark. Oh well.

Mathematics I: B
Had no idea about a few questions in the Final paper. Did average otherwise in tests.

Physical Chemistry: B-
Faded out after scoring nearly full marks for Test 1. Must be because of electrochemistry. No idea why I seem to fail to grasp the main concepts of this particular topic.

Fundamentals of Cell Biology: B
Expected better, definitely. No idea why a B was given.

Mechanics: C+
Passing was just what was expected after totally flunking first 2 tests and getting low coursework marks. Luckily finals was a breeze and was confident in the end.

-Sem 2-
GPA: 3.2567

Effective Communication Skills: B+
High courseworks, might have did below par in finals. Also, narrowly failed test 1. Placed less emphasis on this subject.

Mathematics II: B+
Was hoping for the worst after super low courseworks(failed test 2)and facing calculus was never a good idea. Finals was a piece of cake, luckily managed to scrap out a B+.

Organic Chemistry: B+
Didn't do well in test 1, but got me reinvigorated to fight for the rest of the sem. Test 2 onwards was a breeze and was quite disappointed to have missed out on an A.

Introduction to Physiological Systems: B+
Didn't do as well in tests, but finals might have helped a bit. Quite average score too.

Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism: B
Loved part 1, despised part 2. Thankful for easy finals, but had terribly low marks in Test2.

-Sem 3-
GPA: 3.1498

Programming Concepts: B
Knew all the way it was going to be tough, but managed to get past passing mark and even though I've basically given up on last 2 questions still managed to get B. Discouraged to have found out didn't get at least B+ for compulsory sub.

Mathematics III: B+
Highly disappointed not to get A. What went wrong, no idea.

Inorganic Chemistry: A-
Disappointed not to get at least an A. Very easy subject. Well, at least it's my first A.

Modern Biology: B-
Did not do well in all sectors and knew this was going to be the end result.

Optics and Modern Physics: B
All-time high of 43/50 for coursework marks. Yet, failed to get A. Very tough and excruciatingly frustrating finals paper.

CGPA: 3.077
No, not a good sign for the years to come. Needs to improve more on study methods. At least more specialisation will be practised in the coming degree course. Get ready for a rocky ride.

好不容易

2011-05-08T00:02:00.002+08:00

Holidays have arrived at last.

What to do to let your hair down, fellow 19 year olds?

Movies, games, sleeping, chit-chat sessions, stayovers, hang-outs etc?

Well, everyday I'm willing to go out with friends and stay up late together outside before finally returning home.

To the uninformed, my home lies beyond the outskirts of bustling Georgetown and even the nearest hang-out place(Kayu Nasi Kandar) will take me around 20 minutes to reach if traffic is negligible.

Not that I'm complaining of driving sickness(yes, I'm very much used to driving already, short of my second anniversary of obtaining my driving license). Not that I'm worrying about what might happen to me if things go wrong.

Just that whenever I start that long, long journey back home after often enjoyable outings at night, I just feel so lonely.

Few people would actually dare to drive down the forest-surrounded(street lights malfunction 85.6% of the time)driveway to the airport but let me tell you it freaks the silly mind out of me at times. Honestly I didn't have the guts to look behind me at times driving on that dark, lonely road at 2am in the morning.

Good thing I don't use that route too often. There are alternatives as well.

Sometimes I just sit in my car singing aloud since no one's around. It's a nice feeling but deep down inside you just can't help feeling you need someone there.

There are some things I want her to understand as well.

Many times I have dropped her home on the mainland and drove myself back alone, crossing the bridge in the process.

It's always that lonely path back when I start to think of silly things the most. Maybe that's why I always drop by Coffee Bean to get myself some coffee/ice-blended drink to cure some unwell feelings.

Natural occurrences are that I drive alone most of the time. Feels lonely, yes. Might as well deal with it.

Just letting my fellow readers know the feelings of millions of other workaholics/lone rangers around the world :)

To my fellow UTARians, enjoy your holidays!

Perseverance

2011-04-16T00:39:00.003+08:00

"Wistful winds come and go. Gales may break one or two branches off it. Thunderstorms rage violently and snowfall might come at the most undesired intervals. Yet the oak tree remains proud, standing on the same benevolent hill where it watched over so many battles and peace treaties, people wishing each other well and people killing each other, other trees grow and wilt, and the development of the surrounding landscape. It had stood there long enough to withstand anything the modern world could throw at it."

There's one thing I've always asked people about. Why, do they cling on to their dreams and hopes although it was already as fragile as a sheet of thin Arctic ice under a Savannah elephant? Some might have failed, and failed they did, as they never came back, and are never the person they once were, completely eroded by society and time.

But for those who have withstood barrage after barrage of criticism and still remain standing, they have acquired the admirable trait of perseverance and achieved a monumental milestone. Like the oak tree, they never wilt. And they never will do.

I have seen friends who once celebrated scoring a goal in a match with me, played the recorder together with me, and attended my birthday parties, went on to become hugely successful students hosting the Jalur Gemilang to other countries. Someday they'll be the pioneers for next generation endeavours in science, engineering and communications. They'll be the next mega tycoons, earning billions by the second. And they'll be inventing machines able to bring us a step closer to extra-planetary human excavation activities.

Kudos to my buddies who have performed so well, for they will be successful in the years to come, if fate permits. And also largely owing to fate, I might be the one assisting them or better in their benign contributions to mankind.

On the other hand, I have seen other friends, whom I once shared my feelings with, whom I've lent a hand to when he fell into a drain, whom I whacked out of pure frustration for kicking me in a basketball match, getting into trouble with all sorts of self-inflicted tragedies. Some have become fathers at the tender age of 16. Some have been paralysed due to injury from street racing. Some have been forced to marry and start the life of a working adult. They once told me of their dreams to become the next best thing in history, to fight for the country and to make Einstein's theories look amoebic. Yet, they have fallen somewhere in their path to potential greatness and have failed to see the light at the end of the tunnel. My heart goes out to all of them, and may they fight for what is left in their lives, to make the most out of it.

I understand that by simple procrastinating, things will not change for the better even by a whimper. I have to put in effort and let my actions do the talking.

Fight for my degree. So that I may lend a gratified hand to mankind, rather than be a lackadaisical nuisance.

Starts with my MUET test tomorrow. Fight, for my future.

Valentine's

2011-02-13T20:20:00.002+08:00

我很庆幸。

I'm such a lucky guy.

今年的情人节，终于有人会陪我度过。

Finally I'm going to spend Valentine's with someone else for the first time in my life.

谢谢你宝贝，我爱你 !

Thanks Honey, I love you !

脆弱

2011-02-01T22:36:00.002+08:00

I wasn't a big fan of Kay Tse. But after listening to this song on the radio, I started to delve deeper into her songs. From this song I could fathom how feeble one's stature could be at times. Unable to resist against salvo after salvo of life's various challenges and complications, and feeling like giving oneself a break and looking for motivation to resurface once again. To make it short, how she presented this song had a major influence on me getting these feelings while listening to it.

之前我没有什么欣赏谢安琪。但是听了这首歌之后，才慢慢开始去接触她的歌。听了觉得自己真的很脆弱，抵挡不了生活中施压的各种挑战，想让自己休息一下再找个法子重新振作。总之，她的歌声就让我有了这样的感觉。

"What else is there for me to believe in, when promises and gentleness were already disposed of..."

“我还能相信些什么，当承诺和温柔都被挥霍……”

Semester Break's over.

2011-01-16T02:02:00.003+08:00

What comes to mind when holidays end...

当假期要结束了 ……

...and the days in Kampar begin...?

……在金宝过的日子又浮现的时候，你会想起什么……？

- Back to study mode! (Notes again...)

- 又要开始读书了（做笔记咯……）

- Eating fried rice for dinner everyday.

- 每天晚餐就是炒饭

- Preparing for Talentime and other performances.

- 为各种表演作出适当的准备

- Passing up MUET application form.

-交上MUET表格

- Watching football during weekend nights.

- 周末晚上的足球时刻

- Spending more time with her :)

- 与她有更多时间在一起 :)

- Reports galore.

- 又要交上各种报告

- Barely enough time to enjoy yourself back home during weekends.

- 回来家乡也不够时间好好去享受

- Church on Sunday morning.

- 星期日早上的教会

- Downloading of notes on a frequent basis.

- 常常要去下载那些上课的必有文件

Part of me wants this holidays to end, since I'm just wasting myself with not-really-beneficial activities around. Yet part of me doesn't want to go back to my supposed routine life.

其实很想让这个假期快点完毕，因为并没有好好地利用时间。但是更有种感觉持续这种生活。

Everyone has their own opinions about holidays. Yet I've not fully enjoyed nor benefited much from this 'much-needed' recharging of batteries.

对于假期，各有各的看法。然而我没有好好地去享受，也没有从这个假期中得了什么对我有好处的启示。

Chinese New Year is just around the corner. Another set of holidays.

农历新年快到了。又是假期。

Well. Time management comes in handy again.

是的，又是在考我的时间管理能力了。

2011

2011-01-02T00:16:00.002+08:00

2011 has arrived.

And that probably means:

a) We're closer to 2012

b) We're further away from 2010

It's the time when blog traffic is at its most saturated, when people blog about their new year resolutions, about how they celebrated the new year, highlights from the past year, random pics and Katy Perry songs.

I'd thought of doing the same but seriously I don't need to set expectations for myself anymore since failure to reach expectations always result in depressing situations. I'll get on with the groove and take one step at a time. Then we'll see how it goes from there.

Have a fun and prosperous 2011. Life's short. Maximise it :)

One month hiatus ends.

2010-12-23T23:13:00.005+08:00

At last the laptop arrived. Thanks a lot, Dad. A fitting Christmas gift :)

Oh, and she's making me envious with her iPad :/

Until December 30.

2010-12-07T01:43:00.003+08:00

Only four things in my mind.

My new laptop's arrival.

Final exams.

Next sem's timetable.

Christmas.

Full stop. Nothing else. Mark my words.

A Different Approach

2010-11-24T22:43:00.002+08:00

November.

The month I used to look forward to so much.

Not so since last year I guess.

How different post-16-years-old life is becoming. While you juniors are probably enjoying your holidays(working part-time, having fun with friends, hanging out in shopping malls, staying at home in front of the computer 24/7 etc), us, the older generation of modern teenagers have to bury our heads in piles after piles of notes, tutorials, books and get ourselves to immerse into our studies.

It may sound weird but I've had times when I would forget about my meals while doing maths.

What is life now? Studying? But at times it just seems so... unconvincing...

I needed a break. I need a break now as well.

And maybe God has responded my pleas.

My Inspiron 1520, just a month away from our 3rd anniversary, has left me. Chipset malfunctioning will cost around RM1k to return it to its fully-functioning state once again. So yeah, maybe it's true that I don't need a break after all. I need to have a change in attitude and approach.

I have to stay strong.

And this is the second November I'm going through without a holiday.

What a life, huh?

Testing Times

2010-10-30T11:44:00.002+08:00

I somehow believe that every single challenge presented to us is a test of our perseverance and our ability to adapt to new situations as well.

我覺得生活裡每一種挑戰出現是為了探試我們對我們目標的執著以及我們能夠適應不同環境的能力。

Obstacles are put in front of you, not to obstruct you, not to demoralise you, but to encourage you to do your best to pummel through it. It might sound naive at times, but it's the only way, and it's what you have to do to achieve a goal you've been dying to reach for a very long time.

絆腳石、阻礙我們的東西並不是真的擺在那邊阻礙我們，讓我們失去信心的。而是給我們鼓勵勇往逆境翻身闖出難關。說來有些單純，但有時真的就只有一種方式能夠讓你實現一個你渴望了很久的夢想。

These are testing times, for it provides the proving grounds for me to show that I am capable of being a man, being someone who can take on situations independently, the stepping stones in my path of being a whole person.

現在我必須面臨探試。它給予了我一個舞台讓我發揮我的潛能，讓我給別人看得到我能夠做一個真正的男人，不必太過依靠別人來解決問題。它更是讓我邁向完整的地步。

Tests come often. In the form of responsibility(Accepting positions in societies, taking care of parents, be responsible for my own health etc.). In the form of relationships(Am I treating her the right way? Am I worrying my parents because I haven't eaten too much lately? Am I giving my friends the attention they so longly crave for?). In the form of performances(Test results going well? Where did I go wrong in this basketball match?) or even in the form of self-restriction('Let her have fun with other guys, she possesses her freedom.' 'Stop eating those chips right now...' 'Supper kills.'). Tests help us recognise our potential. With every step crossed, a new aura of confidence resides in you, and the more self-belief you have when similar tests approach.

試驗，我們經常會面臨。也許是在責任方面（接受在學會裡的職位、照顧爸媽、為自己的健康負責人……）。關係方面（我對他這她做對不對？我少吃會讓爸媽擔心嗎？我有沒有給我朋友他們需要的注意？）。性能方面（考試成績怎樣？這場球賽哪裡做錯了？）甚至在自我克制方面（‘她有她的自由，偶爾讓他參他的男性朋友吧’ ‘別再吃薯片了’ ‘宵夜=自殺’……）。一切探試讓我認識了自己的潛能。每個試驗完成了，一陣新鮮的自信心會在你心裡燃起，讓我相信自己能夠面對各種難關。

There will be times when you meet all kinds of people out there. Those with the nice-guy attitude who will be your best buds on a temporary basis, those with an agenda to utilise you and ditch you when their mission is done, those who just want to be close to you so that they can show you off to people, those who are willing to give everything for you because they truly love you, those who care only for themselves and do not think about your feelings etc. Knowing people helps us to have a malleable and flexible mentality. Call me two-faced, but for different people you just gotta treat them differently and make the most out of the initial ice-breaking.

你會在社會裡遇到各種各樣的人。那種‘好人型’、那種早就想利用你的、那種故意靠近你所以能夠炫耀的、那種願意為你做出一切犧牲的、那種自私的…… 認識各樣的人讓我們學會如何面對各樣的人。好的，你可以把我看成雙面人，可是這種態度就是必須實習才能讓我們前途有得好過。

At times I'm not sure of myself. Sometimes I just couldn't figure out why I have to do something to achieve my goals, thinking it was pretty irrelevant to them. Maybe it's true, but yet, maybe in the future I might find use for those 'useless' things I've studied.

有時我不懂我自己。偶爾我就不懂為什麼我要做一樣無畏的事情來達到我的目標。也許正確，但也不能說以後這些‘無畏’的東西也許會在生活中需要到。

As of now, my girl's out with her band(more guys than girls, obviously) to Malacca, I'm facing a transition period in life, and I'm struggling with my studies. Can I pull through this and make it out fine? I just need my doubts to vapourise and start doing things the way they should be done, not my way. I realised that I could not hold on to this kind of relaxing attitude anymore. Time whizzes by and the clock never turns back. I need... some time for myself.

現在，女友一同樂隊（男生數量較多）到馬六甲去，我正面臨破蛹時刻，而我正在學業中掙扎着。能不能衝出難關?我需要我的一切對自己的能力所懷疑的性格從此蒸發掉然後以正式的態度來辦事，並不是用我的方法來辦事。我發現我在這樣下去也不是辦法。時間閃過，鐘不會逆轉。我需要……我自己一個人的時間。

Where others excel, why can't I?

2010-10-12T21:54:00.002+08:00

Sorry for the lack of updates recently.

It's true that my first trimester results have affected me much. Maybe a tad too much, but I'm not even sure myself.

I got a very disappointing 2.81 out of 4, which is very, very low for my standards(no offence to those who fared worse...). I checked my results and at once I knew that I had to improve my maths and chemistry(a subject I thought I'd do good on). So this new semester I'll be cutting down on entertainment and shower more attention on my studies instead, that's at least a 'new sem resolution'. Just hoping I'll make it through the storm in the end.

Well, contradicting myself as I may be, I've bought FIFA 11 for my personal enjoyment. I'll make sure it won't affect me too much as well.

I envy my friends who got way better results than I do. I try to find the what makes them tick, but in the end I still have to work harder, that's a conclusion I've come to anyways. It pisses me off to know some of them actually copy other's reports for higher coursework marks(screw my low report marks in the first sem) but I guess that's just the way life is.

I make comparisons with friends, but more importantly, myself too. How long has it been since I last really got a good result in exams? PMR? Damn it if I still can't figure out what went wrong.

And I should get more exercise. I seemed to have slacked a little too much than I've expected, Although my body mass remained the same, but I feel weak and fatigued easily nowadays.

Please, give me strength and help me persevere through everything that comes my way.

分離 Separations

2010-09-14T21:51:00.005+08:00

這一生中與過不少必須和朋友們分離的時候。

In my lifetime I've experienced many occasions in which I have to face inevitable separation with friends.

小學時候，是怎樣的我就忘記了

How was it like in Primary school? I don't remember much.

但仍有兩張照片收在抽屜裡，能讓我回想起以前的我，以前我的好友們。

But thanks to a couple of photos I still keep in my drawer, I still managed to remember all of my friends, and who I used to be.

而感謝面子書能讓我看到你們變了幾多。

And thanks to Facebook, I saw how much they've changed since then.

不知不覺，就上了中學，剃了光頭，增了肥肉。

Time flies, I enrolled into Secondary school, got myself a shiny head, gained shitloads of pounds.

我覺得，是中學生涯塑造了現在的我。

I think life in Secondary made me who I am right now.

好多興趣就是在中學時期開始培養的。

Most of my current interests were nurtured during my time in Secondary.

五年過了，在這裡的朋友，也是最捨不得的。

Five years passed, and my heart aches most when separating with my friends here.

那天其實我也沒哭到。

I did not shed any tears that day.

我心中早已知道分開那天，是逃不了的。

Deep inside I knew separation was coming along.

考完了大馬教育文憑，被抽中參與國民服役。

After SPM, I went for National Service.

區區兩個月多在一起，培養的感情絕對不淺。

Two months and a couple of weeks passed by, everyone got to know each other very well.

別說現在的種族問題，我在那邊也和馬來同胞們變成了很好的朋友。

Don't mention the racial problems in our country right now, I befriended some decent Malays as well.

印度同胞們，跟他們的回憶更是深刻。

Those moments with our Indian brethren are even more unforgettable.

甚至在要分開那天，大家都一起哭了。

Even on the day of separation, everyone cried.

而我，怎麼又沒哭………

But still, the tears just wouldn't come out...

剛剛舉辦了個飲茶會，大家看來都還好。

Just had a gathering with my buddies from NS a few days ago.

謝謝你們抽出時間來一同相聚。

Thanks for the time, guys.

生命旅途帶我到大學去上基礎課程。

My journey in life took me to Foundation year in University.

第一個學期完畢了，與同班同學們也建起了默契。

First semester ended with everyone in my tutorial class knowing each other just too well.

認識你們，真的很棒。下個學期，我們繼續加油。

Was awesome knowing you guys, let's look forward to the next semester though.

與好多不同的朋友們分離了。

Separations are slowly becoming common for me.

到最後有沒有聯絡？

In the end, did we all keep in touch?

老實說，過後見面只有招招手罷了。

Honestly, we'll just say hi when whenever we meet, and that's about it.

除了那些真的很好的朋友，偶爾會出來一同飲茶聊天。

With the exception of some of those closest buddies, we'll come out occasionally for a drink and chat.

對啦，所以我早已經習慣分離了。

It's true that I'm used to separations already.

所以，淚水鎖在眼眶裡，不會出來。

That's why I never cry whenever there is one.

等著有人會把它解開，讓我知道分開的痛苦吧。

Hope someone unlocks my tears fast, and let me know how much it hurts when we leave each other.

At Penang

2010-09-09T14:19:00.003+08:00

When was the last time I ever got so stressed in life?

Should be SPM.

Back then I'd resort to spamming food into my tummy to reduce the freaking pressure growing as the days pass by. Heck that made me a whole lot overweight and maybe flirting with obesity. SO that method is just...fail.

Oh well, nowadays, I got a bit too pre-occupied with my revision until I forgot to have my lunch, guess this is at least a better alternative than the eating one. The obvious consequence is that I'm losing loads of weight because of frequent meal-skipping(but heck, I'm not sure if I really looked slimmer).

The Finals have really been a PiTA(Pain in The Ass) and I'm just glad that it's over.

I'm not sure I really did my best but all I can do now is to hope that I'll maintain my freaking scholarship next semester.

All's OK until the side mirror of my car fell off on the highway back to Penang. Ahh can't believe this 'luck' I'm getting. It'll cost a whole crapload of money to get a new one, and it's really troublesome driving with just one side mirror for now.

I've been doing lots of StarCraft II lately, but I'm not in the mood to go for league games yet, since I won't be a frequent player.

Well, nothing much for me to say, back in Penang, relaxing my nerves and preparing myself for the next semester, is about all I can do for now.

Looking forward to the next semester.

Ciao.

Fading Star.

2010-08-18T01:18:00.002+08:00

천일 쯤을 만난 내 여자는

The girl I've been seeing for about a thousand days

陪著我好久的女孩

눈부시게 예쁘죠

Is blindingly beautiful

美麗得讓人盲眼

아깝다는 생각에 연예인을 권했고

Thinking that her beauty was selfishly given to me, I urged her to try her luck on stardom.

怕她的美，只留給我，我呼籲她成為明星。

그녀는 성공했죠

And she was successful

而她成功了

큰 인기를 얻었죠

Earning huge popularity.

他得到了大眾的認同。

Baby baby baby baby 그녀는star

Baby, you're now a star.

寶貝，現在的你是個明星。

이제는 유명해

You're famous now

你已成名了

내가 주던 사랑보다 큰 사랑 받죠

And now you can get so much more love than what I can give to you

而你現在能得到的愛，是超超乎我所能給的

왜이리 왜이리 왜이리 왜이리내 맘은 텅 , girl?

Why, why is my heart empty, girl?

為什麼我的心仍是空虛的？

비어버린 쓸모 없는 상자 같은지

It's just like an empty, useless box.

猶如一個空虛，無用的爛盒。

요즘 부쩍 짜증이 늘었죠

Those days, when you got stressed out,

那些日子，當你正給壓力包圍中

많이 힘든가봐요

You must have went through tough times.

你一定經過了不少挫折

내가 뭔가 도움이 되어야만 할텐데

I feel like as if I need to do something to help you.

我正想要想辦法來幫助你

난 할 수 있는게 없죠

But yet, there is nothing I can do.

但是，我做不到些什麼

연락도 쉽지 않죠

It's even hard to talk to you.

連跟你溝通，也是件難事。

Baby baby baby baby 그녀는star

Baby, you're now a star.

寶貝，現在的你是個明星。

이제는 유명해

You're famous now

你已成名了。

내가 주던 사랑보다 큰 사랑 받죠

And now you can get so much more love than what I can give to you

而你現在能得到的愛，是超超乎我所能給的

왜이리 왜이리 왜이리 왜이리 내 눈은 콕, girl?

Why, why are my eyes filled with tears, girl?

為什麼我的眼裡還載滿淚滴？

먼지에 찔린 것처럼 눈물이 날까

As if it is filled with dust, my tears just keep falling.

猶如裝了廢塵，眼淚只能嘩嘩的落。

그저 그녀를 행복하게 해주길 바랬던 세상이

The world that I had hoped would make her happy

我以為那世界能讓你從此幸福

보이지 않는 높은 벽을 세워 우릴 갈라놨죠

Has set up an invisible wall which has separated us.

它卻蓋上了一道隱形的牆壁，分割了我們

점점 나를 멀리 하려 하는 그녀를

More and more, I know she is slowly pushing me away.

久而久之，我看得出她已慢慢的在把我推走

느낄 때마다 가슴 아파요

Everytime I feel it, my heart throbs so strongly.

每當想起那感覺，我心跳得如此強烈。

Oh, Girl, Please, Come back my Star...

哦，女孩，請回到我身旁，我的星兒……

Baby baby baby baby Now Stop

寶貝，停下

나만 바라보던

The girl who used to look only at me

那位曾經只凝視着我的女孩

예전 날처럼 사랑스런 그녀는 없죠

That girl, she no longer exists in my life.

她，不再出現在我的世界

내일이 내일이 내일이 내일이 오기전에

Before tomorrow comes...

在明天還未到來之前

맘속 슬픔 다 지우고 다 잊을래요

I want to erase the sadness in my heart and forget her.

我想把全部藏在心內的悲傷都除掉，也把她忘掉

Baby baby baby baby 그녀는

Baby, you...

寶貝，而你

숨가쁘게 바쁜 일상에 어느 샌가 나의 생각

You barely have time to breathe in your busy work time.

在你繁忙的工作行程，你連呼吸都找不到空時間

따윈 하지 않는다는 걸 느껴요

I feel as if you do not even think me for once

我感覺到你根本就沒有在乎過我

왜이리 왜이리 왜이리 왜이리

Why, why, why ,why?

為什麼？

내 맘은 추억을 못 잊고

Does my heart cling on to the fading memories

我的心仍然抓住那些回憶

자꾸만 날 봐달란 들리지 않을 기도해

And continue to silently pray that you'll take a look at me again?

繼續安靜的祈禱你有天會再回頭望我一次？

Isn't it cruel when your girlfriend whom you've faithfully trusted and given all the support to her during hard times, just ditch you and let you rot off while she continues to gain stardom?

In many ways, one just has to be positive and look forward to a new life. Without the materialistic ex.

抱緊你

2010-08-03T23:57:00.003+08:00

曾經有人對我說

擁抱

是種象徵

象徵友誼的結束。

對

記得嗎？在畢業典禮

當曾經是朋友的一起擁抱在一起

以後，再也見不到面了

朦朦朧朧，逐漸消失去了

也許好久好久以後才見到面

但那時候一起許的承諾

一起逃課的那個星期二

一起咬著冰條聊天

一起追的那位女孩子

現在全部都忘記了……

握的手，粗粗的，跟以往的完全不同。

怎麼了？朋友？忘了以前的那個我嗎？

但擁抱

結束友情，還有另一種看法

女孩

也許是世上最難理解的一種完美

當曾經是朋友的女孩

主動靠在你肩膀時

你會感覺到那陣溫暖

悄悄在你耳邊說了一些悄悄話

緊握著她的雙手

你很可能會體會到，何謂幸福。

當你擁抱她的那一刻

你也會有些後悔

因為

以往的日子，不再相同了

她已不再是你的朋友

不是那種可以隨時開愛情玩笑的了

不能隱瞞嫉妒傳她的緋聞男友是誰

她已成了你伴侶

看電影時，曾經不敢牽的手，現在主動會牽起了。

跟她走在一起時，時常假裝要靠近點；現在主動投入你懷抱。

以前用餐時會特別留意她；現在面對面欣賞她的完美。

傻瓜，醒了。

擁抱過了

她還算不算是你的朋友？

無聊

2010-07-25T01:32:00.002+08:00

其實一向來都覺得自己很胖。

每次當照鏡子時都會這樣告訴自己。

雖然甩掉了不少肥油，捏捏自己肚腩又會那種鄙視感了。

從小就給人耍到很慘，甚至給人排斥，很沒臉。

開始跑步了，是因為害怕自己又變回從前的肥仔。

到底這個死鬼肚腩

會徹底消失嗎……？

World Cup 2010- A Review

2010-07-16T18:08:00.002+08:00

The FIFA World Cup(No idea why people would like to abbreviate it as simply FIFA....) 2010 has just concluded. And unless you're Bigfoot or some madman scientist plotting a doomsday plan for decades underground, you've definitely heard of the biggest sporting event ever in the world(with respect to the Olympics).

The 2010 edition was held in South Africa. The first few group stage matches were alright for most of us, taking the event one step at a time, starting with the awesomely-timed 7:30pm matches. Then came the knockout stages, in which the earliest matches were screened 10pm +8 hours GMT. By the semifinals, all matches are played at 2:30am, which is really a pain in the ass for the normal Malaysian society. But we still find a way to emulate the 'Cockroach Spirit(小強精神)' of never saying die by staying up late to watch our favourite teams in action.

And Sotongs suddenly became very high in demand.

So here's just a quick list of the highlights of the recently-concluded World Cup, from my eyes. Just my 2 cents anyway.

Best Team: Spain

The deserving World Champions achieved loads of records on their way to being crowned World Champions, including being the first European team to win the Jules Rimet outside of Europe, the first team to taste defeat at first hurdle but recover to capture the coup de grace, the champions to score the lowest number of goals etc.

Tantalising to watch when on form, the Spanish Tiki-Takas(short passing game) can be frustratingto watch at times(especially during corner kicks), but when polished to perfection, is totally awe-inspiring, cutting defences with a few moves. Xavi is instrumental as always, providing the most successful passing rate in this tournament, while his Barca partner Andres Iniesta wowed the crowd with some inexplicable moves, eventually scoring the most important goal in Spanish history. Credits must go to David Villa for finishing as the top scorer in the team with the goals that mattered most, during the group stages, the last-16 and quarters, which includes a 45-yard curler into an empty net against Chile. Needless to say are the contributions of captain Iker Casillas, whose saves against Paraguay and Netherlands handed the Spanish a huge boost in morale to go on and win the game.

With youngsters such as Sergi Busquets(my least-favourite player from the Rojas, for all that play-acting is just sick)Fernando Llorente and Francesc Fabregas(Arsenal captain not even in the starting line-up) coming through the ranks, there will be few who would dare say this would be the end of the Spanish Golden Generation.

A big round of applause to the perennial underachievers, for they have finally broke their quarter-final duck, and in such astounding fashion.

Best player: Thomas Muller

No offence to Uruguay stalwart Diego Forlan, who had an awesome tournament as well.

But consider this.

Playing in your first ever World Cup for mighty Germany, aged 20. Yes it does seem like something to be proud of, even by warming the bench is something like a dream already. But ending the tournament as one of the joint top-scorers and most influential player in the team, is another thing altogether. A thoroughly deserved winner of Young Player of the Tournament award. There were voices saying that Spain rolled the Germans over because of his absence, does seem quite far-fetched. However, who knows what happens when youthful audacity is augmented into the offensive Deustchland game plan?

Best Match: Uruguay 1 Ghana 1

The only match to make me scream(aside form the Final). Going in front with an early goal, Ghana looked like the saviours of Africa for the inaugural tournament in the Black Continent. However, the South Americans roared back with an awesome Diego Forlan free kick that rasped through the Ghanaian defence and into the back of the net.

The game went into extra time, in which one of the most controversial moments surfaced in the history of football.

A handball from Luis Suarez from the last Ghanaian attack to thwart the inevitable goal meant he got his marching orders before the craziest scene befell us viewers.

Asamoah Gyan, with the brunt of an entire continent on his back, hit the Jabulani towards the crossbar. The team was in despair. Penalties.

Credits to Gyan who coolly slotted the first penalty in the net. But things weren't so nice with the following penalties, in which Ghana fluffed two for the Uruguayans to have the advantage, in which their winning penalty was nothing of a fluke.

Cruel, but Uruguayans' underhanded approach won them the game and sent them into the semis.

Most improved team from previous World Cup: Spain

Few would dare stand in the way of Spain after their Euro 2008 triumph. The memories of 2006 in which they bowed out to a certain side in Blue was totally erased...

Best miss(for the lulz): Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Nigeria vs South Korea. 2-2)

Best Goal: Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Netherlands vs Uruguay. 3-2)

Worst Howler: Robert Green.

No, you don't need me to post this one for you, it's everywhere, becoming an internet meme also. I didn't support England, but this was such a disgrace to all the Three Lions supporters all over the world...

Most underachieving team: France

Italy comes a close second, but at least they did display flashes of brilliance at times. The absence of Nasri and Benzema among others left many of us scratching our heads in confusion. The French were totally underwhelming, beginning with a match in which they were totally uninspiring, ending with a game with a disbanded team. The training fallout didn't sooth worrying French hearts at all, and Domenech's ill-fated reign finally dropped its rotten curtain. Hope they'll fare better under Laurent Blanc.

Most overachieving team: New Zealand.

First time in a World Cup, and went unbeaten. Heck, even Spain could not do that. Kudos to the fighting Kiwis.

Most Scandalous Affair: Frank Lampard's disallowed goal.

Later, came Tevez's offside goal.

But this was the more controversial one. Technology beckons.

Most underachieving player: Wayne Rooney.

For all the hype of Lionel Messi and him grabbing the headlines prior to the start of South Africa 2010, he was an utter disappointment, finishing with no goals. He must recover or else he might even lose his starting place in Man United to the promising Javier Hernandez(at least he scored, right?).

Lots more, right?

家後 Wife.

2010-07-07T23:46:00.003+08:00

家後

Wife.

A lovely Taiwanese song I wanted to share with all of you. Most of you already know this song, but I just felt like posting this.

一首很棒的台灣（閩南語）歌，想和你們分享。讀者們都對這首歌有些認識了吧，但本人只想把它傳上。

有一日咱若老
If the day comes when we have grown old.

找无人甲咱友孝

And when you can't find someone to talk to anymore.

我会陪你

I'll accompany you.

坐惦椅寮

Sitting with you on the same bench.

听你讲少年的时阵你有外摮
Listening to stories about your bygone years.

吃好吃丑无计较

No matter how much we suffer, I don't care.

怨天怨地嘛袂晓

Blame God for it? I won't.

你的手我会甲你牵条条

I'll grasp hold of your hand.

因为我是你的家后
Because, I'm your wife.

阮将青春嫁置恁兜

I've married all my youth to you.

阮对少年跟你跟甲老

I've followed you since we were young.

人情世事已经看透透
Our emotions, our happenings, we've seen through them.

有啥人比你卡重要

Who could be more important than you?

阮的一生献乎恁兜

I've given you all my life.

才知幸福是吵吵闹闹

Only to know that we find happiness in our squabbles.

等待返去的时阵若到

Waiting for the day when we leave.

我会让你先走

I'll let you go first.

因为我会呒甘放你为我目屎流
Because I simply could not bear to see you shed your tears for me.

有一日咱若老

If the day comes when we have grown old.

有媳妇子儿友孝

When we've have children and children-in-law to accompany us.

你若无聊

If you're bored.

拿咱的相片

Take our old photos.

看卡早结婚的时阵你外缘投
Looking at how dashing you were during your early years when we got married.

穿好穿丑无计较

Whatever I've gone through I have no complaints.

怪东怪西嘛袂晓

To blame this, or to blame that, I won't.

你的心我会永远记条条

Your heart, I'll remember it forever

因为我是你的家后
Because, I'm your wife.

Everlasting gratitudes to Mother who accompanied me, helped me and shaped me up into the man that I am now.

It doesn't matter who my father was, she still loved her husband.

That, is a very distinguishably tolerant attitude that should be practiced.

感謝阿媽一直一直一直陪伴着我，幫助我，撫養我長大成人。

不管父親是誰，他都一樣疼愛他。

那是一種很值得佩服的容忍態度。

人變了

2010-07-02T20:43:00.003+08:00

在拉曼好像很久一下了，不知不覺跑出來了一個Mid-Term Test，久違考試的我，當然會有些不習慣……

才區區4題的考卷，也是很少見過。雖僅4題，也能讓人在考場血壓狂飆、憂鬱莫及。果然是不簡單的一個測驗。如果說這個“小型考試”都能逼瘋人了，那真正的“大型測驗”，肯定有些坎坷了……

我聽同胞們說，拉曼大學的四個英文省略 U.T.A.R可擴稱為University of Tutorials, Assignments & Reports。這個道理且然有意思。今日剛好是交上生物課報告的截止日期，突然在星期三來了個物理報告，截止日期是今日。當時看到在白板上，導師提供了好多好多眼花繚亂的複雜等式。若還是身為極度懶散中學生的我，早都不理它，向朋友們借來抄抄去算了。忽然發現自己真的長大了，開始對功課負起了責任，就拼下去把它完成。但在某個部分，發現到自己犯了不小的失誤，好不容易在最後才發現哪裡做錯了什麼。這裡的功課不但比中學的多以幾層，也深奧了不少！！未完成的物理課報告，忍着放在一旁。就在星期四，又跑來了一個化學課報告，截止日期，又是星期五。夠力了。就發威趕快在當天完成它。做完了一份報告，真的讓人有種“滿足感”。但還有那些練習題，又是星期五要討論的，真的有點懶得理它們了……

再加上這個星期也剛好有兩個“小型考試”……下個星期又繼續兩個科目，乾脆在這個星期把它搞完去了，受苦也是這一個星期。但是還要繼續考試……要繼續溫習功課，真的很累。

到最後，還是熬過了這個星期，希望下個星期會稍微輕鬆些，開始想家了！下個星期將會檳城！

回想起檳城的好友。

曾是同班同學的朋友，距離真的拉得越拉越遠。

不懂要怪自己家裡遠，還是朋友不想配合。

通常這個年紀的人都愛和朋友們出去喝茶聊天到三更半夜。

但是曾是同班同學的，好像根本就不想出去的。都滿滿十八歲了，難道家長還管得那麼嚴？！

就有一次約到了外校的伙伴們出去。他們就談到中學時期，常常與朋友們出去的習慣，聊也聊到三更半夜的。老實說，本人真的很羨慕。

回去了，當然也是想約約朋友們出來喝茶一下，可是都已經知道他們會捏造各種的藉口來遮掩自己本想整整拒絕的念頭。

但是幸好來到金寶了，遇上了好多好多朋友。

他們都會陪我完成功課，陪我用餐，陪我買書，陪我遊蕩，陪我讀書，陪我看球，陪我去喝茶，陪我聊天，陪我唱歌，陪我學樂器，陪我談心，陪我逛街，陪我去教堂，陪我發呆，甚至陪我通宵在湖邊彈吉他。

老實說，曾是同班六年（有些甚至是從一年級就同班到高中三的）的朋友們：我在金寶才剛剛過了一個月多，就已經找到比你們之中更好的朋友。

其實我對你們有點失望。

陪我喝茶，好嗎？

Life@Kampar- Part 1

2010-06-20T00:33:00.004+08:00

I know people always complain of my blog being too saturated with text instead of pictures.

Tons of apologies(and I mean TONS) for that, I'll try to make up with some interesting stories then..

Guess what? I'm here in Kampar(see that small little ochre province in the center of the map?) for nearly a month already.

Kampar has very punctual weather!!!

This is what the place looks like (nearly)every evening, at 5pm.

(nearly)Every afternoon and morning people are always saying the same things

''HOT ARRRRR''

''WALAU THE WEATHER''

''U GOT TISSUE PAPER OR NOT''

''涼茶有嗎''

ahh enough of weather things... what's famous in Kampar?

Stop reminding me of 'Kai Zai Beng（雞仔餅）'' or literally 'chicken biscuit'...i've never had one before, but there's a very interesting signboard saying ''Have you tasted the goodness of (vagina) CB?''

and of course to (nearly) every restaurant we went, there's this dish that appears in every single menu...

it's quite nice to be honest, the Chicken Chop Rice（雞扒飯）, available with a choice of sauces(Black Pepper, Mushroom, Sweet 'n' Sour etc)..

There's a Pasar Malam/Night Market/ 夜市/ночной рынок / رات مارکیٹ every Wednesday night(during those rare nights when it would NOT rain).

Lots of food are sold there, including a fake 'Prosperity Burger', half the size of the thing you are salivating on below.

...Taiwan Sausage(虹橋one, so quality assured)

...mee goreng

...RAMLI BURGER(there's one stall with that awesome black pepper sauce)

...fried ice-cream

Oh well, there are 2 KFCs and a Pizza Hut outlet over here(Oh, and one Sushi King to throw in for good measure). But no McDonald's.

NO MCDONALD'S.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHWTFWTHOMGBBQZWHYWHYWHYWHYZOMGGGG!!!

Oh wait, I'm getting dramatic again. Apologies...

Stay tuned for the next chapter of the Life@Kampar series, with more pictures, hopefully!

Until then,

Me and the Car.

2010-05-19T23:53:00.005+08:00

It's been a full year since the first time I stepped into the driving seat with the intent of maneuvering the machine.

And what a year it has been!! Driving around Penang in only one type of car(the only carS I've ever driven are both made in Malaysia, both Perodua cars(screw Proton/EON for their money making schemes!!), the Kancil- also known as the 'milo tin on wheels' and the more reliable Myvi) has been quite an experience. Oh wait, there were those times when dad let me drive his 1996 Toyota Prado as well... big cars always have a feel-good factor affecting you, trust me.

I remember during my first few outings I couldn't really control my car yet, and I tend to step on the throttle when I reach sharp turns(yes, I managed to steer it...with a little bit of difficulty...but do not try this, because it IS a foolish move). Experience gained, I managed to get myself involved in one or two accidents that quite dented my confidence... but learn from it, and pick yourself back up, and of course, be more careful the next time =.=

I remember during my childhood years, when I was around 5 or 6, I would like to be seated in the driver's seat whenever dad went out of the car and called me to wait inside. Mum and Dad always warned me against even laying a finger on the gearbox.

Made me wonder why in my kiddy years :D

I would step on the throttle(right one in the picture below)and listen to the VROOOOOOOM sound humming from the engine of the car. And also don't forget the rising of the rpm meter as well XD

Made me feel like RACE CAR DRIVER lol.....

I was thinking about all these childhood memories the moment I reached home.

Oh dang, running out of petrol ...but still need to drive myself around town for the last time before leaving for Kampar!!

Thanks for the time, people.

For the time being,

Less than two weeks!

2010-05-14T11:39:00.005+08:00

Yeah, less than two weeks left before i leave for Kampar.

Most of my buddies have already started their studying life, whether it be at matriculation academies or form 6 or colleges...

Screw you people who keep bragging about your respective orientations!! Mine will top all of yours!! ;)

Envious of those who obtained their JPA scholarships.. a big congratz to all of those who got them!! :)

So this is not the first time UnsungsUnseensUnnoticed has been revamped, but I'll try to see what I can do to make this blog more user-friendly and look nice at the same time.

Until then..

form 6 day 1

2010-05-10T22:24:00.002+08:00

woke up early(a long while since i last did it!), got ready and reached school by 7:30am.

nothing much on this first day though.

registered and sat with a group of my buddies for the orientation, which is just a mumble jumble of introductions to the form 6 syllabus.

Pengajian Am, Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. I made up my mind deciding to go for a 2 week trial of biology(even if the teacher was boring..)

Upper six students then proceeded to offer revision books at ultra low prices(some at RM3, totally wth reaction). Needless to say, finished in a matter of minutes.

Let's see what's in store for tomorrow.

counting down the days

2010-05-05T23:35:00.002+08:00

Marked 2 dates in my calendar:

23 May 2010

The day i finally set off to Kampar, Perak to commence the next chapter of my study life. Academics and co-curricular activities come in mind at first, but then there are those other 'things' that your life wouldn't be complete without.

My reputation, how will it go from here? Will I still be known as the fat guy who plays the guitar whenever there is a function or a performance? The dude who likes to stay in front of the computer most of the time? The same old dork who likes to play defensive in basketball? The lazy one who rarely studies for exams? The ever Man Utd fanatic?

To be honest I'd like others to experience a paradigm shift, a change in way people look at me through different perspectives. I'll try to curb my temper and my addictions for as long as I can, until I get immune to all of these unwanted distractions. I'm pretty confident that I'll find a group of friends whom I can get accustomed to and reliable when the going gets tough.

Will I lose more weight? Will I be more involved in sports? Will I try my hands on a completely new field I've never been into in my life before? Will I finally be a part of a music band? Much to be desired, I guess...

It's hard to see me staying around in a place without my family for more than four whole years. It's a transition most individuals go through in life(my parents included). I mean, National Service is nothing compared to the time I'll be spending here at Kampar... All in all I'm just worried that I might get homesick and let that inconvenience deteriorate my pursuit for excellence in youth. But I'm quite sure that I won't be one who misses home too often.

Then that's the question about love... Oh why do people keep telling me to find a partner already? I'm not in a rush at all, so yeah, I think I'm fine being single. It's just that looking at people in love with envious eyes makes me feel like breaking down deep, deep inside of me.

All the best in your respective paths, fellow school-leavers :)

27 July 2010

Release of Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty.

The most anticipated sequel of all time. 12 years since the first Starcraft game was released.

Thing is, I really have to adjust my timetable to allow some free time for the game. It'll be time-consuming that's for sure, but what an experience it's gonna be to actually play it!!!!

Financial issues... gotta start saving money to buy that USD$60 game!!

無所事事

2010-04-29T23:06:00.002+08:00

這個星期好像有很多東西做。

剛剛去看了葉問2，片裡強調身為華人的我們該好好珍惜自己的傳統習俗，不讓外人歧視我們，低估我們來自神洲的孩子們。當戲入最高潮時，葉師傅正在挑戰一位來自西方的拳擊手冠軍。雖然被拳擊手冠軍打得傷痕累累，幾乎逼得葉師傅放棄了，他仍是倔強的付出他最後的一份力，最後把拳擊手冠軍打到了。葉師傅為了保護中國文化而執著奮鬥的不屑的精神，是如此的驚人。從這部戲我真的領悟了我們身為華人的責任，身為華人的光榮，身為華人的幸福。

除此之外當然有很期待的同學會！！當日也是三姨婆的生日，我該去買個生日禮物給三姨婆吧……深信主耶穌的她真的是對我關心的不得了，不會報不行。

星期日又是我這位球迷的重要日子……約了一群朋友去麽麽檔觀看球賽！！有興趣的都可以在Bukit Jambul的Kayu見見我 :)

沒什麼好說了，都怪自己這幾天只是在家裡無所事事，沒什麼好寫、沒什麼值得寫。

A Story I Can't Tell (own lyrics)

2010-04-10T23:42:00.002+08:00

[original lyrics. Korean(romanised)]

Na norur saranghanabwa...

aju orejon butho

imar jonhejugo shiphosso

imarur hago shiphosso

onurdo ni juwirur

haru jongir memdorgo isso

iron naui maumur jogumirado

hogshi niga ara jursu man idamyon

[chorus]

SOMEDAY I SHOW YOU WANT MY MIND

hangsang nega issodago

onjena no momullo jinenun gose

JUST LET ME CRY FOR YOU TONIGHT

amumar mothanun nega ni gyothe idanun um

gugodo morunun nor wihe

Onjengan narur bomyonso

usojudon ni mosub

torur ten nomu tohasso

narur hyanghan misoga aniyonunde

machi ne mam arajunun goman gatha

[chorus]

(Jebal ne miso gudega nukyowa jumyon johur thende...)

ne sarangi noege budamirka gog jongsurowo

(SOMEDAY I SHOW YOU WANT MY MIND hangsang nega issodago)

onjena no momullo jinenun gose

(JUST LET ME CRY FOR YOU TONIGHT amumar mothanun)

CRY FOR YOU TONIGHT

nega ni gyothe idanun gugodo morunun nor wihe...

Ne mamdo morunun nor wihe...

[English lyrics by me(note there are 2 more lines at verse 2)]

i could feel someone by my side

even in this dark, cold night, i could swear that she will make it bright

i can still live on everyday

but if she was to be gone, then i'd try to think that she was not

love has made us one in soul

both our hands we'll hold

fate has shown the way for us to go on

someday i'll show you all my might

i'll hold you in my arms so tight

the day may come, but we'll never be apart

so let me dry your tears tonight

our hearts will cry in joy, the beauty that is love

wherever you may be, i'll be there.

touching your lips i should have known

you have seeded love with care,you have worked so hard to make it grow

our courage will make us bold

to be one in our hearts,i will do what's best to make it whole

tear the highest skies above, dry the deepest seas

the love we have is strong enough to fly

someday i'll show you all my might

i'll hold you in my arms so tight

the day may come, but we'll never be apart

so let me dry your tears tonight

our hearts will cry in joy, the beauty that is love

wherever you may be, i'll be there.

(though the sky may fall, and though i have to break myself,just for you)

in my arms i feel your pain

crying out to me, 'never leave my side'

someday i'll show you all my might

i'll hold you in my arms so tight

the day may come, but we'll never be apart

so let me dry your tears tonight

our hearts will cry in joy, the beauty that is love

wherever you may be, i'll be there.

if you are alone, i'll be there

frustration

2010-04-09T21:52:00.002+08:00

it's been a frustrating few days for me so far..

feeling stupid staying at home doing nothing.. even walking is hard for me(thanks to a blister-like thing that appeared on my foot when i woke up one morning).

there are times when me and my friends will plan for days for an outing, only to have it cancelled at the last minute due to reluctance of one party to agree to the other's suggestions.

and my foot isn't getting better at all.

somebody help me.....

휘성 - Luv Shine

2010-04-08T01:16:00.004+08:00

안녕 내가 없던 그대의 시간

Annyong nega obdon gudeui shigan

Hello, the times you had without me

안녕 그대를 잃고 울었던 내 시간

annyong guderul ilhgo urodon ne shigan

Hello, the times I cried without you

떠나가란 맘에 없는 말 눈물까지 참아가며 해버리고

tonagaran mame obnun mal nunmulkaji chamagamyo heborigo

I never thought of sending you away, but with tears I did it anyway

한참을 후회로 아픈 내게 돌아와 준 그대

hanchamul huhoero aphun nege dorawa jun gude

After a long time of regret, you came back to me

쉽지는 않죠 전처럼 웃어 보는게

Shwibjinun anhjyo jonchorom uso bonunge

It’s not easy, but I slowly smile

우리 너무 오랜만이라서 내가 아는 그대 맞는지

uri nomu orenmaniraso nega anun gude madnunji

Since we’ve been apart so long, I make sure it’s you

믿기지 않는 난 인사도 잊고 있죠

midgiji anun nan insado idgo ijyo

I’m still in shock, so I forget to greet you

다시 만난 오늘만은 지난날을 생각 말아요

Dashi manna onulmanun jinannarul senggag marayo

Today we’ve met again, don’t think about the past

그리웠던 만큼만 입을 맞추고 (입 맞추고)

guriwodon mankhumman ibul machugo (ib machugo)

Let our lips meet for the amount of time we missed each other (lips meet)

잠이 드는 시간까지 그댈 안고서 (그댈 품에 안은 채로)

jami dunun shigankaji gudel angoso (gudel pume anun chero)

During our sleep I’ll hold you (all of you will be in my arms)

나는 놓아주지 않을래요

nanun nohajuji anhulleyo

Please don’t let me go

안녕 인연이 아니라 믿던 날

Annyong inyoni anira middon nal

Hello, the day we believed it wasn’t fate

안녕 그대를 닮은 사람을 찾던 날

annyong guderul dalmun saramul chaddon nal

Hello, the day you searched for someone like you

화가나요 조금이라도 바보 같은 용기마저 못 내보고

hwaganayo jogumirado babo gathun yonggimajo moth nebogo

I’m angry that I was a fool without any courage

지치고 지쳤다는 핑계로 그댈 보낸 내게

jichigo jichyodanun pinggyero gudel bonen nege

I sent you away with excuses that I was worn out

쉽지는 않죠 전처럼 웃어 보는게

Shwibjinun anhjyo jonchorom uso bonunge

It isn’t easy to smile like I did before

그대 기억 모두 버리려고 애를 쓰던 날이 많지만

gude giog modu boriryogo erul sudon nari manhjiman

It will take many days to forget you

나는 놓아주지 않을래요 이젠

boda do bappuge hengbogdo chajulgeyo

But I’ll try to keep myself busy to find happiness

다시 만난 오늘만은 지난날을 생각 말아요

Dashi manna onulmanun jinannarul senggag marayo

Today we’ve met again, don’t think about the past

그리웠던 만큼만 입을 맞추고 (입 맞추고)

guriwodon mankhumman ibul machugo (ib machugo)

Let our lips meet for the amount of time we missed each other (lips meet)

잠이 드는 시간까지 그댈 안고서 (그댈 품에 안은 채로)

jami dunun shigankaji gudel angoso (gudel pume anun chero)

During our sleep I’ll hold you (all of you will be in my arms)

나는 놓아주지 않을래요

nanun nohajuji anhulleyo

Please don’t let me go

멀리서 그대 소식이 들릴까

Molliso gude soshigi dullilka

In case I hear news about you from a distance

한시도 닫지 못했던 두 귀로 (잠도 못 들고서)

hanshido dadji mothedon du gwiro (jamdo moth dulgoso)

I listen carefully with ears that never rest (while I can’t sleep)

이렇게 가까이 그대 숨소릴 듣는 것

irohge gakkai gude sumsoril dudnun god

Hearing your heartbeat so closely

세상에서 가장 슬픈 얘기라고

sesangeso gajang sulphun yegirago

Being told the saddest story

아파 할 때마다 죽도록 빌어오던 일인걸

apha hal temada jugdorog biro odon iringol

Each time I hurt, the painful years come back to me

오늘만은 예전처럼 웃지 못해요

Onulmanun yejonchorom udji motheyo

Even for just today, I can’t smile like I used to

너무 기뻐 눈물만 자꾸 삼켜서

nomu gippo nunmulman jakku samkhyoso

Because I keep swallowing tears from happiness

오랜 시간 맘에 가둔 사랑한단 말 하지 못해서 나 애가 타요

oren shigan mame gadun saranghandan marhaji motheso na ega tayo

I’ve been burning inside, unable to tell you I loved you for so long

정말 많이 기다렸는데 정말 많이 미안했는데

jongmal manhi gidaryonunde jongmal manhi mianhenunde

I’ve been waiting, I’ve been sorry for many things

꼭 안겨준 그대 고마워요

kog angyojun gude gomawoyo

The one who holds me tight, I thank you

頹廢？

2010-04-06T22:54:00.003+08:00

自從國民服務完畢，回來之后，發現到朋友各自都已經走了好多不同的路程，那些我跟本就沒有留過腳步的路程。

基本上全部都已經..

找到了一份工作

決定了升學的啟程

有了伴侶

與伴侶分了手

日常生活趨向改變了

身軀有稍微改變了

頭發長了

外表變了許多

轉換了未來想去的方向

……

不懂……不知不覺好像好多的事情已閃過了身邊

而我

還在這里生銹……等著什么呢？

其實有好多歌，不懂為什么就是寫不出，連音符都哼不出，真是有點無奈。

藏在心里，也沒什么用的……

但我將要走的路線，不是往音樂走的。如果還是保持執著的話，只怕會影響到以后念書的情緒……

還有好久才去大學念書，暫時也該好好自修。

Humming Urban Stereo

2010-03-31T15:08:00.002+08:00

a very interesting Korean electropop band I've recently found out about.

their music is very much like the ones you listen to whenever you are in some hotel lounge or the so-called 'high class' restaurants(it's what people like to call 'lounge music'. But try adding some tight beats and bass lines, and it's basically what you get from HUS.

the band is led by a young man called Lee Ji Rin(Lee JeeReen), and has two female vocalists. Their works are mostly inspired by the going-ons around our society, and there are occasionally lines from French movies found in their songs. Remakes such as 'Lady from Ipanema' and 'Un Homme Et Une Femme(a man and a woman)' are also part of their discography contents.

I'm searching for their albums here in Malaysia, but has so far failed to find any. Might order from yesasia.com instead if money isn't too much a burden.

I'll leave the following clips to your auditory pleasure.

where have i been?

2010-03-28T16:06:00.001+08:00

i'm at KL currently, staying with dad for more than two weeks already.

i'll be back on tuesday with some updates, may have some pictures, so keep your fingers crossed and stay tuned!

ciao~ ~

the shortcomings of national service

2010-03-18T10:52:00.004+08:00

NATIONAL SERVICE is a phrase you'd normally hate if you were to be involved in it.

some would say it's a nice experience, but injustice will never stray away from anything on this planet. yea, even people here who are supposed to be the mentors of the 'bright, new and innovative generation' have failed to be decent examples to us trainees.

it kept me fathoming how the government could allow such vermin to be in charge of building the new generation of calibrated leaders... ALL the time during my stint there.

here's a quick list of injustice the trainers/jurulatih/shit people (or whatever you wanna call them) did to us:

- while standing under the hot sun in the afternoon heat(2.30pm), the coaches go around facebooking in their air-conditioned rooms while leaving us to be dehydrated outside. Although we DID arrive early, the cowards continued their leisurely activities and when they came out late, we were punished for 'being late'.

- one of the coaches vented his anger on other companies when the company in which he was the mentor failed to win a certain competition (e.g footdrill, obstacle race etc.). we from the other companies were punished as well. all in the name of sheer jealousy and bias. pointless, no?

- one of the coaches broke her promise to us. saying that our attire for the next morning will be announced before 8.30am, our fall-in time during saturdays, the coach takes leave the next morning and left all of us(other coaches included) in confusion. we arrived punctually in the morning for the fall-in(in the right attire, a quick agreement to wear a certain attire was approved in the boy's dorm), but were still punished.

- obese 'coaches'(where did they get the right to call themselves 'coaches' i will never know) who can't even run properly. taxpayers' money spent on such people to lead the new generation?! it's a waste unless they are properly trained before inducted into the national service program!!!

- coaches who smoke and chain-smoke. embarrassed, they didnt have the guts to punish the trainees who smoke as well, causing non-smokers great discomfort from inhaling cigarette smoke. if the coaches cant be a decent example to us, please leave. it's a waste of taxpayers' money for your wages.

- no action towards smokers, although the matter is referred to the discipline department.

- camp commander knows almost nothing. during the Q&A session, he retorts our questions sarcastically, degrading our reputation for being 'questions-aplenty beings', saying our future will not be good and doubting us. nothing was answered in the end. why bother having a Q&A session at all?

- last minute announcements cause trainees trouble all the time.

- a coach orders the camp leader(penghulu) to report to him under the sun, while the coach stands under a shade. more insufferable vermin who are barely fit for the job.

- at night, there were times when we were called out to wait for nothing, causing us to sleep late.

-last-minute changes for bus departing times from the camp.

- time wasting when we were about to report out from the camp for our holidays. we were called to report out ONE-BY-ONE(imagine, 286 trainees in total).

- water service problems aplenty(pipe without water supply, showers without heads etc. ), even with numerous complaints issued. maybe only if we take drastic measures, they'll start to act.

- while visiting an army camp in our 'community service' program, we met soldiers who smoked IN FRONT of the trainees, while our coaches smoked in the toilets(i am a witness).

- meals are extremely fattening and sweet. it's lucky that i, for one, did not eat too much of the food there, otherwise i'd be suffering from diabetes problems now.

- we were allowed much time to stay in our dorms and have free time, doing practically nothing. when the activities(among them not finished in my camp are kayaking, jungle trekking, high rope..) could not be finished in time, the authorities blamed the lack of time(they could have done so much instead of giving us free time...).

- ventilation problems in dorm cause to sweat all the time.

- coaches will give you an order, but will give a different order when you report to carry out the said order.

- coaches are obviously racist. they'll give the 'locals' special treatment(ignore smokers, coming into dorms at night for a chat, buy them food etc.).

- all we had were talks about how to carry out our activities, while the activities weren't carried out at all. talk about only theory and never practical!!

- 'use big time to do small things, use small time to do big things' (basically, inadequate timing for activities, plenty of time for rest)

i don't know about other camps, but i am venting out my anger from my perspective.

i come from 1st batch 2010, sri impian camp, sg. bakap, p. pinang.

posts on this particular subject in other camps are greatly encouraged. it'll be nice to listen to what other trainees are going through in their respective stints.

前程已决定

2010-03-13T23:03:00.002+08:00

今日到了干巴（霹雳近打峡谷那儿）去参观拉曼大学的开放日，老爸推荐我去这儿升学，因为他告诉我他对这儿的一切感到极度满意。懒得再去询问其他的学院的我就跟着老爸的建议打算进入该大学。

听完了一系列的讲座，参观了学院的设施，我不再三思就直接添上了入学表格。打算在这儿先念了基础课程，在做更详细的决定。都怪我只得了8个A，得不到100%赞助，但有50%赞助我不再埋怨了啦……

过后继续看看住宿，也满意啦……反正着我不太在意，有上网服务，有得睡，有书桌就够我活了……

听说有不少曾经与我同校的好友都选择去这儿升学……

回来才发现原来已有几位伙伴已在那儿念书，他们还自愿要带我习惯学院的生活……本人感激不尽啦，老实说。还有他们也介绍我更好的住宿，现在就等待消息，若有多余房子，那就好啦，没有也没关系……

最终还是感谢大家的支持及鼓励，希望下一站会是比以前更耀辉的……

5月31日开课，到时再看我怎样了吧

my results

2010-03-11T21:36:00.002+08:00

i got:

bahasa melayu : B+ (i thought i was gonna fail this)

bahasa inggeris : A+ (...)

pengetahuan moral : A+ (gotta be honest, i have never obtained an A for moral before)

sejarah : A (surprise, surprise...)

mathematics : A+ (anything less would be embarrassing)

science : A+ (i never thought it would be so easy to score...)

pendidikan seni visual : A- (kay....)

additional mathematics : A- (got through it!!)

physics : A- (below expectations!!)

chemistry : B+ (pissed off by the result)

biology : B+ (not good..)

bahasa cina : B (i was expecting to fail this as well)

bible knowledge : D (makes me wonder why i took this subject in the first place... =S )

1119(GCE-O) : 1A (...)

overall: not entirely satisfied.

ahhhh... cheers, buddies =]

national service (week 6-week 9)

2010-03-10T07:59:00.002+08:00

week 6

finally failed to curb my temper at those smokers... did some unnecessary things to stir up a whole new bunch of haters..

where are the coaches anyway? are they even carrying out their jobs??? this week signaled the start of the patriotism class, which is quite boring so far.. except for a few debates and essays, there is basically nothing much to do.. so much for augmenting our love for the country this way? =S anyway, this was probably more known for the week that we went back for the Chinese New Year holidays!!! hope all of you guys out there get your fair share of ang paos!! peace out.

week 7 and week 8

just returned from holiday and was thrown straight into the action!! time for M16 tryout and didn't do exactly well... but was a fun experience overall!! The we did the other fun activities, including the flying fox and abseiling. Although tired from the 2.2km walk to the venue(and another 2.2km back) , we did enjoy ourselves being one with the outdoors! We were successful in applying for holiday for saturday and off we go until monday!! When i came back, i was once again led towards the pressure cooker...i was to recite a traditional poem in cantabile style!! trying yo imitate Andrea Bocelli, the end result wasn't very amusing, i must admit... but i did get a positive response from my peers, and I should be quite satisfied with my performance!! it's been quite boring except for the water activities on thursday( time constraints caused me to miss out kayaking dammit). Friday is a holiday for the muslims so we did practically nothing for the whole day. saturday was equally boring and now here i am on this sunday morning. the most important thing? i've lost 13kg already!! =D

week 9

the week started off with our company emerging champions of the foot drill competition on monday. although not in the team, i felt happy for my mates nonetheless. the week continued with a birthday surprise for me on the stroke of 12 on wednesday. i was quite taken aback from my buddies' approach and was almost in tears when they sang the birthday song for me.. thanks guys!!! you all rock!!! thursday was the obstacle race competition in which we finished 2nd, but the main thing was to happen a little later... the announcement of the date the SPM results will be out on 11th march, so our national service will be ended early, on the 9th. it made so so darn happy i couldnt help myself but jump around!! but then again, to be leaving this place after more than two months... the feeling is kinda bittersweet... the week continued with birthday celebrations for four other friends and some photo taking which i will be proud to show to all of you here!! will be back on tuesday with loads of stories to tell!! ciao~

all the best!!

2010-03-09T18:39:00.002+08:00

all the best of luck to all of us getting our SPM results on 11th March.

it's not all make or break, so take it easy and chill!!

National Service diary (week 1-week 5)

2010-02-14T01:08:00.003+08:00

week 1

first week of NS has been all about adapting to a new environment and making new friends. If you are asking me for my opinion on NS so far, i'd say it's a waste of a teenager's time and energy. seriously, if you think spending time taking lessons on common sense, playing boring games and doing lousy marching drills with trainers who never make a good example of themselves, you should go for a mental check-up right NOW!! and don't get me started with the food. 6 meals a day... freaky? what's worse is that most of the food is either extremely sweet(which explains the high diabetes rate among Malays, obviously) or spicy, and is very, very contaminated to say the least. you like files loitering around your food? no, right? well, i've already nauseated once and i'm not looking forward to a second time doing so. but then again, i have been made welcome by my dorm-mates who are really helpful and kind. sharing the same dorm with four other schoolmates makes me gel in with ease. most of my dorm-mates are way cooler than me but they still treat me nicely, of which i am full of appreciation for. to be honest i have made many friends around camp and am beginning to understand their personalities. update soon.

week 2 and week 3

a fortnight of NS has passed without notice. somehow i felt it was just yesterday when i checked into my dormitory and settled in!! the activities are finally in full swing and it has been less boring compared to week 1. much has developed over the fortnight... people are beginning to fall sick, some have been some home, punishments are in effect, boys are starting to know girls well(not sure about any new relationships!!), the laziness of the trainers become more and more obvious, money is slowly being drained from my wallet and my crush developed gradually, only to find myself calling it off altogether(please don't ask me about it lah). more to come in a week!

week 4

so we've passed a full month of national service already. the highlight of this week must be the 'mandi hujan'(rain bath) we had during a monday night. most of us are only dressed in our undergarments as we danced and sang in the pouring rain!! it was by far the best memory i have had here, although our actions did land us into trouble in the end =P. then there was the occasion when some Malay vermin tried to play with our chairs during a gathering in the canteen. obviously they were the ones doing mischief, yet they think they can beat anyone up at their own peril. it was then when we noticed how impotent our leader(penghulu) was in dealing with the subject. and then there was the friday night roll call when the leader once again failed to do simple maths and the roll call went on for more than half an hour because he could not add up the total number of trainees present at the roll call. this was also the week i did my first night shift! thank God our camp isnt haunted. there werent much activities yet since it's still the 'preparation period' for our camp. i hope to write more next week! until then, cheers!! P.S i've got over my crush

week 5

fifth week of NS and i'm still alive.... okay, so nothing to be proud of, but well am i glad to have passed this week full of utter boredom! first it's the introduction to the integration program, which to be honest is a waste of time(the workbook is quite informative, however). then it was the performance event by each of the seven groups in the program. and hey, it was my first time wearing traditional malay clothes!(thanks, syafik!!) other than that, there was a steep increase in the number of trainees coming to the christian class during the religion classes every thursday and friday night. and to be playing the guitar again!! yeah i loved that feeling!! other highlights include the loss of handsets, the tattoo fever in my dorm and the introduction of the mentor-mentee program. expect updates !!

greetings!!

2010-02-13T08:17:00.002+08:00

before i proceed to brag on the main point in this post, i have something to tell to all of you...

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!!

and 恭喜发财to all of you!! =D

Let's welcome the year of the tiger with open arms and be ready to be blessed and to prosper abundantly!!

oh yeah..

the main point..

i will be updating whatever i have written down during my 6 weeks at National Service in the coming days!!

stay tuned, peeps =)

unavailable for..

2010-01-04T01:16:00.004+08:00

i will be unavailable for some time.

will be going to national service.

but, expect updates!! and im gonna enjoy my time there!

ciao!

january transfer season

2010-01-03T01:47:00.003+08:00

it's the january transfer season and i'm gonna stick my head in and give my 2 cents on this particular matter!!

for Arsenal, they are particularly shorn of attacking options after the injury to robin van persie and the inconsistency of eduardo. they would surely relish making an established signing during the transfer window. their wing backs are also in need of cover as gael clichy and kieran gibbs are out injured while justin hoyte is still at middlesbrough. but arsene wenger's bullish attitude will probably mean that he will stick to his young guns to plug in the holes in his squad, so don't expect significant signings.

targets: mauroune chamakh, edin dzeko, klaas jan huntelaar, andre-pierre gignac, gareth bale, jack rodwell, victor moses.

Liverpool have had a disastrous season in which their over-reliance on the gerrard-torres duo became too obvious. they are in need of a striker to partner torres in attack and a replacement for the injured glen johnson. for the record, they need wingers who can be consistent. expect the sales of voronin, dossena and babel to occur, as liverpool will need funds for their transfer activities.

targets: ruud van nistelrooy, rafael van der vaart, david silva, maxi rodriguez, vasil torosidis, arda turan, victor moses, sylvain ebanks-blake

so far Chelsea have had a good season. their testing times will finally come as michael essien, john obi mikel, salomon kalou and didier drogba all leave for the african nations cup. expect some transfers from chelsea as they will have the chance to buy since the Gael Kakuta case will not affect them for now. they may also expect injuries to their key personnel as the season goes on. for the time being, their attack will be lacking in experience and they will need cover for deco and ballack in central midfield.

targets: sergio aguero, david villa, toni kroos, jack rodwell, bojan krkic, stevan jovetic, james milner, miralem pjanic, mario balotelli

Manchester United have a defensive line-up that is slowly getting back into shape, but the absence of john o'shea will nevertheless be felt. so far berbatov is not performing at his best and might have do to well or else united will be trying to prise another big name to intensify the competition in attack. the inconsistent form of nani and park ji-sung will make united want to get a new winger, but chances will probably be given to zoran tosic and gabriel obertan. elsewhere, the form of tomasz kusczak has been consistent and since van der sar will be away for a while, he and foster will have the chance to shine, but do not rule out a goalkeeper signing.

targets: edin dzeko, igor akinfeev, david silva, miguel veloso, angel di maria, brad hangelaand

happy 2010 to all of you.

2010-01-01T11:03:00.003+08:00

all the best in 2010, people.

there are plenty of spectacles to feast your eyes upon for the coming 365 days. Most spectacular of all should be the FIFA World Cup 2010 at South Africa. i might be burdened with lots of schoolwork and assignments, but to miss out on the most prestigious sporting event on Earth would be a sin!! i'm backing spain for this one, as i had always did since the world cup 2002!!

Let's make Visit Penang 2010 campaign a success, shall we? I will be doing my part in promoting teluk kumbar by uploading some pictures into my facebook account, do add me up.

for my further studies, we'll have to see how my SPM goes. hopefully i will have my future sorted out by then.

as for the present, i'm preparing myself for National Service. I'm hoping to enjoy myself there and make plenty of new friends!!! I wish all of you out there who got chosen for NS to be optimistic and enjoy yourselves as much as possible, and do not vomit after eating the horrible food!! =D

2010 will have its ups and downs, and we will be there to witness everything.

buena suerta, everyone!!

what's the difference between the taiwanese and the malaysians?

2009-12-30T16:51:00.005+08:00

Let's be honest with ourselves. They are way better than us.

In the hotel rooms, i browsed through all 80 something channels provided by satellite TV. (note: in all of the 7 hotels i stayed in, satellite TV -the complete package with ALL channels- is provided... how about us? i see vision 4 in most hotels in malaysia, with a limited Astro package in some)

We often watch TVBS Asia on Astro, right? Well, it seems we like their channels. How about them? Nah.. no company in Malaysia providing such coverage like TVBS in Taiwan... which means they wouldnt have the chance to watch our local shows... even if they can, would they even consider putting Malay channels into their satellite TV services??

They have a very conservative mind as well. ALL of their rubbish bins are categorised into 'recyclable wastes' and 'other wastes', to promote recycling. Well then, what about us? We have plenty of 'kitar semula' campaigns which are mostly big talk and no action.. it seriously reflects our image towards the outside world concerning our attitude towards conservation of the environment.

One other side note: I noticed that in the cities, even the major ones like Kaohsiung and Taipei, rubbish bins are hard to find(irritated me once when i couldnt finish the super-tall ice cream and was thinking about throwing it away). But then again, the place is virtually free of rubbish. This shows the Taiwanese's attitude towards trash management. They care for their cities' cleanliness and are willing to work hand-in-hand with the city council to improve the hygiene of the local populace.

Oh, and if you might be asking, how about their 'pasar malam's（夜市）street cleanliness? Well, i can tell you that it's far cleaner than the Malaysian venues, by a distance, though there will be inevitable litter.

Their courtesy is second to none.

The 7-11 shops are ever present in the island(it's like...there's an outlet in every single building in East Taipei). And in every single one of the 7-11 outlets, the shopkeeper/cashier greets me with a loud and clear “光临！”(welcome!) whenever i enter or go out of the shop. Tell me if you ever encountered such courtesy in Malaysia. And specify which outlet. (Teluk Kumbar outlet has it...i love my town xD)

And the courtesy isnt just limited to 7-11 outlets or other convenience stores. The hotels and restaurants have the same habit as well. The Starbucks dude was extremely welcoming too.

In the underground station, i didnt know that we need to queue up to get into the trains. Yes.. we need to queue up. Manners learnt since we were small. Yet again, do you ever see us practising it in our LRT stations?? I felt kinda ashamed when i skipped queue. I allowed the people behind me to enter the train first, as a token of respect.

Oh, and for the record, their taxi-drivers DO USE METERS..

do stay tuned for other interesting taiwan-related posts.

i'm at taiwan.

2009-12-24T22:08:00.001+08:00

yes. please do add me up on facebook to see the photos i took.

it's been a tiring day and i need some games of FIFA 10.

i'm not in the mood to blog right now ;P

if God permits

2009-12-23T09:54:00.002+08:00

you can expect some updates from me in taiwan.

loads of photos incoming...!!

ciao!!

enjoy your holidays, people!!

aftermath?

2009-12-22T19:41:00.002+08:00

totally enjoyed myself at the penang youth choir camp 2009!!

there were quite a number of songs that we learnt, but i still prefer those songs we learnt last year, as they were certainly a lot more memorable than this edition's choices of songs

i can vaguely remember my parts of嚯嚯嚯in the song丢丢铜仔. i just liked the soprano part where they go火车走到阿莫衣乇丢all the time. for the record, you can go listen to 徐佳莹's “出口”for that part, it's in the beginning verse of the song.

the other song was the jungle book song called 'the bare necessities'. oh well, i thought we as the tenors would be the ones to sing the main melody, but sadly, no =(

ahh nevermind, enjoyed myself anyway.

the other songs included the welcome blues, loved the chord progressions. the canoe-round which sounded like 'dick can swim' or whatever kind of expletive in the bass line =P . oh, and the indian song which went 'na na na' all the time ...called 'dravidian dithyramb' if memory serves.

our brother quo ping showed us how to sing queen's 'wee will rock you' the king-kong way with lots of new actions...

the same goes with '浪花一朵朵' while at the beach. had loads of fun strutting around on the sand!! many other games followed... loved them all, and hurt myself stepping on some oddly-shaped object that caused us to lose the group race lol.

was happy to meet new friends in my group!! some of you are really getting involved during the activities. me likes you guys!! <3

i got the most presents during the talent show, mainly because i was playing background music with my guitar for 3 different contestants!! woot i sang some easy songs and got a special prize =]

danced a lot during the night. it was literally like clubbing without the alcohol ;D and a bad DJ... xD

was around 12 something when the activity ended after some truth-or-dare sessions.

i wont forget talking around with my roommates just before dozing off during these few days!! the topics, well, are best left unsaid ; )

sang 'amigos para siempre' and got many new contacts for the next day. went back at about 12pm to the education fair organised by FSI at trader's, where i met many of my schoolmates. went for lunch and back home by bus.

right now i'm more concerned about my further studies..

dad has rejected the idea of getting my A-levels done at Disted. i'm probably going to end up separated from my old friends, at faraway Nilai. i'm taking foundation on life sciences, that's my plan for now.

so how is my future gonna end up, i'm not so sure as of now.

i'm going back to NS!! i think that's good !! =D

holiday plans

2009-12-18T10:50:00.003+08:00

what are your holiday plans?

i'm going off to penang youth choir camp on 19th december, back on 21st december, then pay a visit to the plug-in further studies exhibition at trader's hotel in the afternoon.

might go somewhere to buy some clothes for the next day.

i'll embark for taiwan on the 23rd, coming back on new year's eve, then might go somewhere for the new year celebrations.

a few days of freedom until i attend national service on 4th of january.

not sure when the holidays for NS will be, but keep in touch ,people.

finally you're gone

2009-12-15T01:13:00.002+08:00

a grand and majestic farewell to my SPM

for now i will have to do with days without books...which may be a bane to my intellectual development and may cause me to become sluggish and slowly retard my nervous sensors..

blargh

let's enjoy the fuckin' free time while we still can!!!

another accident!!

2009-12-12T19:25:00.002+08:00

this time was a parking mishap... well i thought i had turned the car nicely, but suddenly felt a little 'bump'...the back side of the car hit the car beside me...dammit i need to spend money to help them repair it....arrrghh

when can i be less careless??

went home and to pei nee's house at gertak sanggul.... so far!! but the place was nice, very serene and quiet. dont ask me why i went there. ;D

took some pictures of the place. the uploading is slow. if you wish to see those pictures, kindly add me up on facebook(send me a message if you do not know me) and check out my albums...

im kinda promoting teluk kumbar to the outside world =D

a farewell for a friend

2009-12-08T23:36:00.002+08:00

first of all, rest in peace, brudda. gabriel, you'll always be the dude who plays the guitar with me whenever i felt lonely, and inspires me to delve deeper into this instrument.

i promise, mate, you will always be one of the first flashes that appears in my mind whenever i pick up my guitar.

i have faith in the Lord, that He will take care of you in your afterlife.

the first time i met you was in boy's brigade. i was 13 then.

i got to know you more through chow chong, a mutual friend between both of us.

upon knowing about your interest towards the guitar, i immediately started to talk to you more, hoping to learn more from you.

we did get to learn from each other, although the chances were few.

you were always the last one to leave school at times, playing the guitar with me.

i cherish those times, buddy.

now that you're gone, there's less one guitar enthusiast for me to talk to.

''I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.''

john 11:25

dude, wait for me up there. get your guitar ready =)

outing with a couple of friends

2009-12-07T11:43:00.003+08:00

went for an outing on sunday with a couple of friends.

i bought my wife's CD

had lunch at canton-i.

the food was freaking expensive...like, a plate of one-ton noodles for rm12? kidding me, right? >.>

but the food was quite nice.

the yin-yeong was too dilute!!

i had no idea what is this. tastes good though

i have no idea what is this as well. tastes decent anyway ;D

so sweet them both...haha

me and alex

jiejie and me

the decorations at queensbay. there was no sign of red, just lots of green and black. the things hanging on top were lit with candles, looks more like some satanic church ....zzz

watched new moon. i was never a fan of twilight. almost fell sleep watching the movie. very average....give it a 4/10

fetched my friends to the jetty to get home, then went home.

sunset at the beachside

world cup draw: predictions

2009-12-06T00:56:00.002+08:00

Group A
South Africa	Mexico
Uruguay	France

hosts south africa look like a potent force at home, but have yet to impose themselves on the international stage, save for the confederations cup in which they did quite well, but would probably finish last, unless they can find their stride. mexico and uruguay to fight it out for second place, with mexico maybe getting the edge. france are favourites to top the group, but will have to watch out for complacency, which led to their shock 0-1 opening defeat to senegal in '02. with the unpredictab;e raymond domenech at helm, they are on a rudderless ship, but have the quality players to pull them through.

france - mexico - south africa - uruguay

Group B
Argentina	Nigeria
Korea Republic	Greece

argentina have probably the strongest squad in the competition(save for spain) and should qualify easily, topping the group, even with the seemingly inefficient maradona at the helm. it will be interesting to find out who gets into second place though. nigeria are one of africa's most attacking sides and would relish facing the south koreans, who always have that aura of freshness and speed, or the defensive-minded greeks, who won euro 04 with their negative tactics.

argentina - greece - nigeria - south korea

Group C
England	USA
Algeria	Slovenia

england have the best team around in this group, just lacking in the goalkeeping department. with the amount of talent they have, they would be expected to top the group, but will have to watch out for the usa. usa would definitely be the ones to finish second, unless a shock result derails landon donovan and co. algeria are the unknowns here, but they beat egypt, the african champions, in qualification, so will not back down easily, as do slovenia, who beat fancied russia. both teams however have only national pride to play for, considering the quality of the other two sides.

england - USA - slovenia - algeria

Group D
Germany	Australia
Serbia	Ghana

a tough one to call. germany are always the big guns in tournaments, as they have shown in the last euro. they are heavily expected to top their group and progress, but a turn of events might see them miss out on qualification altogether. australia have a very good squad and might relish facing the other teams, but are likely to finish bottom. serbia topped their qualification group which contained the likes of france, and would be a very difficult side to face. when the occasion rises, vidic and co can be unstoppable at times. ghana are not to be written off. they have the likes of sulley muntari and michael essien, and playing at their home continent, would have that extra edge towards their play.

germany - ghana - serbia - australia

Group E
Netherlands	Denmark
Japan	Cameroon

the netherlands have got a very favourable draw in group E. under bert van marwijk's leadership, they should have not much problems showcasing their attacking prowess while beating the other sides, but would have to watch out for the fast, attacking denmark side and japanese guile. denmark are no pushovers either, and will be taking advantage if holland are to slip. the cameroonians would be relying much on samuel eto'o for their attacking options, and would be challenging the other teams, no doubt. japan are the underdogs, but can spring surprises if they are up to the occasion, and will rely on dead-ball specialist shunsuke nakamura for the goals.

netherlands - denmark - cameroon - japan

Group F
Italy	Paraguay
New Zealand	Slovakia

italy are favourites to top the group, but would need to avoid another euro 08 disaster if they are lead the group. paraguay are the black horses who will be capitalising on italy's shortcomings, and have very good attacking options as well, but playing away from home might be too much to handle. slovakia have the likes of marek hamsik and martin skrtel so never write them off, but they would do well to get points off the aforementioned two teams. new zealand are obviously the whipping boys and would be prepared for an early trip home. but a surprise could be on the cards for those who look down on them.

italy - slovakia - paraguay - new zealand

Group G
Brazil	Korea DPR
Ivory Coast	Portugal

the group of death, or so people think it is. brazil are the bookmaker's thrid favourite to win the world cup, and with their playing style turning on the defensive under dunga, they are simply an effective unit which gets the job done in moderate style. they will be the team to beat in the group. portugal have a great team, but the stewarship of carlos queiroz is getting poor reception and their qualifying campaign shows why. ronaldo and co will have a hard time playing joga bonita with their brazillian counterparts, while facing the powerful ivory coast side. the ivorians are good enough to get through the group, and are in for a surprise in this one. drogba and co. will definitely live up to expectations, if they stay disciplined. apologies to north korea, but they are definitely going home for this edition of the world cup, however, complacency might lead to some shocking results.

brazil - ivory coast - portugal - korea dpr

Group H
Spain	Switzerland
Honduras	Chile

in what has been described as an easy group for favourites spain, spain are just too good for their opponents, but would need to end their dismal world cup record to do well in this competition, while they may be facing the likes of brazil and portugal in the second round. the swiss are expected to do well and at least qualify in this edition's world cup, but for a team that loses to the likes of luxembourg, it could be quite an uphill task. honduras have good players such as wilson palacios and david suazo, but inexperience could be their achilles' heel. chile play fast and flowing football, which would be a bane to the other teams in this group. expect spain to top this one, with competition strong for the second spot.

spain - chile - switzerland - honduras

reply: arsenal's plight

2009-12-03T16:59:00.002+08:00

the condition at the arsenal camp worsens again.

still fresh from their 0-3 drubbing in the hands of chelsea, their youngsters were knocked out of the league cup deservedly by manchester city, 3-0 with all goals coming in the second half.

even arsene wenger has said:

'i have no professional courtesy'

without a handshake and off the pitch he goes.

arsenal fans, you might have to fear for the worse.

tottenham, aston villa, sunderland, manchester city and to a lesser extent, liverpool are catching up..

be afraid, be very afraid

arsenal's plight

2009-12-02T15:49:00.002+08:00

you have seen the arsenal losing 0-3 to chelsea, right?

to be honest, this was very much the same arsenal team that crushed everton 6-1 away on the opening day if the season, minus van persie, no?

you see, what this arsenal team really needs is a kind of consistency that has not been present since their 2003-2004 season when they went the whole season unbeaten. it might have a thing or two to do with experience, but who knows?

currently arsenal rely much on their talismanic captain fabregas and their silky playmakers arshavin and nasri to provide the spark. with van persie out injured, they had eduardo for cover(he wasnt of much use in that 3-0 mauling), and the returning bendtner.

if they are to get going during the january transfer window, they will need some good strikers according to what all the papers are saying. but what is it that isolates eduardo and co? with van persie sidelined until sometime before the world cup(i would like to know what happened to the placenta treatment he was getting!!), arsenal lack the cutting edge that he brings to the side. his penetrations into the penalty area are not matched by eduardo or bendtner as of now. they are rumoured to go for van nistelrooy(!) or chamakh or fabiano..the list goes on...

but hey, why dont give a chance for the youngster carlos vela and the other strikers to strut their stuff. provided they can adapt to situations and learn from the chelsea defeat, arsenal might come good.

for now i think they need a holding midfield player who can fit nicely into the system, since eboue will be missed during january. alex song would need a partner in the center of arsenal's 4-5-1. for the record, they also should have a decent replacement for the injured kieran gibbs at left-back as well. for the wealth of arsenal's attacking department, with jack wilshere, aaron ramsey and walcott coming into the fray, they shouldnt have much problems at attack.

they should be spending at other areas instead.

for your information, i am NOT a fan of arsenal =]

给人家点？

2009-12-02T15:42:00.002+08:00

1.你的名字·
我的名字

2.最近最鬱闷的事?.
最近烦恼的事

3.最受不了自己的哪个缺点?·
本身的缺点

4.遇到喜欢的人，你是勇敢表白还是默默关注？·
有什么好知道的

5.说出点你名的人3个优点(不可删除题)·
蛋。蛋。蛋

6.以一个形容词形容点名的人的外表·
圆

7.你现在最想拥有的是什麼?·
世界和平

8.什麼时候感觉最开心？·
有世界和平的时候

9.恋人／老公／老婆让你最欣赏的优点是什麼？·
她让我欣赏的优点

10.覺得自己的性格是?·
自己的性格啦，不然什么

11.现在最想做的事?·
现在想做的事

12.接下来最想去旅行的国家或城市? 为什麼?·
接下来想去的地方。私人原因

13.你为什麼要回答这些问题?·
因为我要回答这些问题

14.你觉得点你名的这个人是什麼样的个性？·
蛋

15.什麼时候觉得孤独?·
觉得孤独的时候

16.最近一次掉眼泪是?·
最后一次哭

17.请列出喜欢的饮料?·
我喜欢的饮料

18.家人重要还是伴侣重要?.
各有各的重要

19.你希望点你名的人成为你的?·

食物

20.你觉得自己五官哪一个最好看?·
我觉得那个最好看的

random photos of the sky

2009-11-28T03:10:00.004+08:00

i love staring at the sky and at times gasp in wonder at how beautiful God made this world for us.

on the flight to KL

near bukit jambul

halfway to KL, on AirAsia

sunset, north-south expressway somewhere in perlis

sunset, bayan lepas

nearing teluk kumbar

penang bridge

i feel kinda lazy tagging my blog URL in all the photos. but i assure you all of them are taken by me, as you can obviously see with the amateurish photography skills =D

林宥嘉-感同身受

2009-11-26T11:08:00.003+08:00

recently a friend of mine told me to listen more to this song

词：林夕曲：skot suyama

有谁流过眼泪请说
有谁没有哭过请说
你也怎么能爱过

如果那个是我
可能比你更失落

我想说 每个人都差不多
不一样的血肉之躯在痛苦快乐面前
我们都平起平坐
全世界的脉搏(像你像我)
让我们用心抚摸(是你是我)
别人的眼泪随时来自你和我的双眼
有那么多人在寂寞就没有人寂寞

有谁曾经要死要活
想象连呼吸也很难过
给我会怎么做有同样的遭遇
是否有相同结果
我想说 每个人都差不多
不一样的血肉之躯在痛苦快乐面前
我们都平起平坐
在同一本小说(像你像我)
主角无分你我(是你是我)
别人的遗憾当中看到自己犯过的错
有那么多人在寂寞就没有人寂寞
(那些笑容)都是为了什么
(那些折磨)是怎么样解脱
(让人快乐)我们都会快乐
(让人寂寞)谁还敢说寂寞

chinese albums review

2009-11-22T19:23:00.007+08:00

if you are one with me, you would probably assume that chinese songs nowadays are really degrading. it's such a shame as to how hard it is to find a decent chinese song for easy listening. need further proof that 2009 is already a bad year for the chinese music industry? well, khalil fong and recently jam hsiao have come out with albums that cover up some memorable oldies instead of introducing new songs.

anyway, here are some reviews

卢广仲《七天》

guang zhong is a talented guitarist and i fell in love with his first album, which was quite a nice one with catchy tracks like早安，晨之美and so on. on his second offering, he further delved into his guitar skills and songs like Oh Yeah!!! and风雨very much epitomises his expertise in the stringed instrument. I No is the first 3-beat song i have listened to that is written by him, and it was quite nice as well. personally i liked七天the most. definitely worth listening to, it's about as nice as his first album.

rating: 3.7/5

recommended tracks: I No, 听见了吗？，七天，oh yeah!!!

蔡旻佑《寂寞，好了》

evan yo is someone who goes very much in the same line with me, brought up learning western musical instruments and skilled in both guitar and violin. well, i liked his previous albums much as well. for his latest offering, i was thoroughly disappointed by the lack of significance the tracks bring. even his songs werent fined-tuned and had volume problems as well. sometimes his voice tends to go too loud compared to the music, and his composition and lyrics of the songs were quite sub-standard. the album design is kinda cheap as well. better tracks include你看不到的天空and 小乖乖.

rating:2/5

recommended tracks:你看不到的天空，小乖乖，我的宝贝

张韶涵《第五季》

i am not a fan of angela and her sharp vocals. but i did purchase her previous 2 albums, which were quite decent. for her newest one, however, the standards were just awful, and the tracks werent even worth listening to. bad composition and poor song choices for the album, and i am already looking forward to other releases just listening to it once. in short, the worst album i have ever listened to by angela.

rating: 1.3/5

recommended tracks: 白白的，偶尔

萧敬腾《爱的时刻love moments》

jam hsiao is a natural rocker who excels in love ballads as well. in his latest offering, he decides to go the way which made him popular in the first place, covering for other songs. he did most of the tracks in the rock-themed way and did quite well to be honest. his song choices are definitely there, with oldies such as江蕙's无言花and jolin's倒带among those which caught my attention the most. his cover for新不了情finally sees him sing on-key, as he did not really hit the high notes during his PK match with aska yang a few years back, causing him to lose to the latter. the second album i've bought that consists of oldies...following khalil's ''timeless''.

rating: 4/5

recommended tracks:我怀念的，倒带，开到荼蘼，无言花

林宥嘉《感官/世界》

yoga lin was the first champion of taiwanese talent show 'one million star'. im not a big fan but he has quite the tone of uniqueness in his voice. he sounds like eason chan(im not a big fan of him) on occasions, while trying to go back to his own voice at times. the new installment really brings out his uniqueness to all. the songs are suitable for him as the album is easy to listen to. excluding the intro关于我, you have a album with a track composition that is quite decent. fans of yoga would like it, but if you are not one of them, you wouldnt like this album.

rating: 3.5/5

recommended tracks:感同身受，解high人，说谎，耳朵

will juggle my time to listen to more songs when i have the time

plans

2009-11-13T16:22:00.002+08:00

after reading a post from a friend of mine in her blog, i can't help but think of what could i be doing in the near future.

yes, some might argue that there's still an adequate amount of time to think about it for the time being, but heck, what is it that i want to pursue most? what is the career i desire??

some disturbing responsibilities have been harassing my mind at times. mind-boggling dilemmas such as my family's dependency on me for their financial needs, how much i enjoy my job, or even how am i going to face the world, the ever materialistic world. will i be led into temptation? or will i choose the path that i desire the most?

all right, my SPM is coming soon and i have to admit that i am going to flunk quite a number of subjects unless something like a miracle happens on me. God forbid the examiner to be ultra-demanding!! if that is the case, yeah then maybe i'll still have a sniff of A for my Malay, which is definitely one of my weak points. the new Chinese exam scheme is totally ruining my head, but hey, there's six days for revision and i hope to make the most of of them, as i aim for at least credit for chinese. if possible, i'd strive for an A nonetheless.

for now i am confident in certain areas, such as english and mathematics, two subjects in which i must score A or else i will be the laughing stock of my friends.

i know i can work harder on moral and ace my additional mathematics, and i aim to do so.

for the sciences, i'd pick chemistry to be my trump card. i have lower hopes for biology and physics though. i am planning just to hit the minimal requirements for an A- on these science subjects. i took an extra 'modern science' subject as well. i think i'll have no serious problems with it to be honest. hope that's the case.

i'll do my best in art, it is a back-up subject for me, in case i plan to pursue a career in digital arts. then, i just hope to go through Bible knowledge unscathed and emerge with a credit. it's really THAT hard....>.<''

lightning strikes twice i hope, and i need Lady Luck with me once again for this challenge.

then, i need to think about my future.

you eager to know what's my dream job?

i wanted to be a musician, someone associated with music.

most of all, i dreamed being a music producer, writing and recording songs for artistes and myself as well.

i take inspiration from musicians of all kinds. from bossa nova maestro antonio carlos jobin to rock legends led zeppelin. from king of pop michael jackson to opera stalwart andrea bocelli. i listen to songs, and try to find the chords myself, and improvise on what could be done to improve a song, to make it more radio-friendly for all classes of people.

yet, i am not about to risk the financial side of my career just for enjoyment of my occupation.

well, the music industry is kinda risky you see...

some songwriters have encountered severe depression and chose suicide as the best path, and even gary chaw once contemplated on ending his own life, and admitting alcohol abuse to treat his depression.

i need a more steady income, i suppose..

i am thinking about furthering my studies in sciences.

i am keen on biotechnology and nanotech at the moment, but will need further consideration though.

oh, and another job i'd love to have..

to be a game developer.

seriously.

i'd like being some story director or a plot designer.

if permitted, i'd take up community manager or some community head as well.

i think that is all that i need to say for now.

focus.

on the more important things ..