THE THIRD TYPE OF GREATNESS

2 months to go??!!! Argh!

2009-07-21T09:56:00.000-07:00

Help me.

The King of Pop

2009-07-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

This is my first blog post in a really long time, and well, I've decided to blog about the loss of a part of my life, our generation, the King of Pop himself. I'm choosing not to mourn his death, but to celebrate his life.

People say you don't know what you got till it's gone. How true it is. In his life in recent years, we didn't really appreciate his musical talent, or the enormous contributions he made to humanity. Yet, when he passed on, everyone started appreciating what he had done. Including myself, no doubt. The world had lost one of it's best inhabitants, a loss that is truly felt worlwide. Born in Gary, Indiana, Michael rose from performing with his brothers in the legendary Jackson 5 to performing solo. At the age of 10, he could sing Smokey Robinson's famous Who's Loving You, ABC, and Give Me One More Chance.

When he turned solo, he sang songs like Man in the Mirror, Black or White, Heal The World, You're Not Alone, and many more. All his songs seemed to be centred around the theme of humanity - ending racism, making the world a better place, etc.. This man literally paved the way for many African American individuals to join in the entertainment industry, and in many more aspects of life. In my opinion, this man has done more for humanity and African Americans in particular that no other politican could do - using just his voice.

From Johannesburg to Pittsburgh, Michael was a legend. He loved children - the rich, the poor, and the dying. And yet we have claims that states that he is a paedophile, a child molestor, etc.. This man loved children , and he lost his childhood. He coudln't play like any other children did, and he is making up for it - in the future. He is childlike, soft spoken, because he loves children - and if he was in any poor, third world nation, he visits the orphanages. He is worth more that any other musician that ever lived - an estimated $ 1.3 billion. Yet what killed him was not an overdose of drugs or cancer of the sort - it was hearing false allegations about him, and the media, yes the media, with those twisted words and tales, everyone in the USA would do anything to make a quick buck from him. Some did.

Each man is innocent until proven otherwise. That's the foundation of most democracies. The only thing Michael was guilty of was stealing our hearts, for no other celebrity in the history of mankind had ever given so much to humanitarian aid as he did - and there will be none other. That's why Michael's such a loss. Not just to the music industry, but to the world as a whole. I, like most of you, grew up listening to him. I have been listening to music for a very long time, but the earliest memory of a song or video that I can recall is Thriller, or Black and White, and Heal The World. I cannot simply recall anything earlier than that. My mother told me that when my aunt purchased his CD - HIStory (it was the year he came to Malaysia, and I recall one of his trucks carrying equipment crashed somewhere near Seremban), I simply would listen to it over and over again. And now, I truly felt what it was like to lose a part of my childhood. Like my dad's generation who lost Elvis, I could never really comprehend Elvis' loss - now I know through Michael's.

Each of us would have a memory of him, be it good, bad, ugly, or beautiful. I know what I want to remember him as. If you have the time, listen to his song called Man In The Mirror, it's about how all of us can make the world a better place by making a change to the man in the mirror, and it was the song that was played when Michael's casket left the Staples Center. It's truly heart touching. It's one of my favourite songs, second to only Who's Loving You.

So if you were one of those people that were stating comments like "A child molestor is finally 6 feet under", I really do feel sorry for you, for you are really missing a part of our generation's greatest gifts. You are entitled to your own opinion of course (as in any functioning democracy), but it's your morality that may serve up a bad conscience on a platter. I hope that since he's gone now, you can all leave him in peace, to where he joins Sinatra and Elvis in Heaven's enviable triplet of musicians - the King of Rock 'n' Roll, the King of Pop and the Evergreen Sinatra entertaining and dancing in presence of the Man himself.

We feel his loss, an empty space that probably can never be felt. But if we keep listening to his songs, understanding his message, practising it, preaching it, then we have truly never lost him, and he will continue to live in our hearts for as long as makind have the sense of hearing. He never made us do anything, but rather, he taught us. We can all do 2 things now; one, we mourn his loss and get on with our lives, or two, we live in a way that would honour him and his life, his unrelenting pursuit of spreading love around the world, and in essence, he would never truly die off. I think the latter is more preferrable. And so,

Thank you Michael for teaching us respect differences,

Thank you Michael for teaching us to be united,

Thank you Michael for teaching us to love.

and Thank you Michael, for being part of my childhood.

The West Ham Bubble Song

2009-06-05T10:49:00.000-07:00

I'm forever blowing bubbles,

Pretty bubbles in the air.

They fly so high,

Nearly reach the sky,

Then like my dreams,

They fade and die.

Fortune's always hiding,

I've looked everywhere,

I'm forever blowing bubbles,

Pretty bubbles in the air

United !! United !!

Lessons I've Learned This Year

2009-05-29T07:09:00.000-07:00

I've not been updating my blog for a while now, so here's a new post since I'm done with first year.

_____________________________________________________________________

I've learned many things this year. So many that it is hard to compress it into this blog. Lessons learned from anyone, and anywhere.

1. Keep the faith

It was March and nobody wanted to give us a game in rugby. Nobody. People kept cancelling at us last minute. Nevertheless, the lads kept faith and we had more matches - close to 10 i think.

2. Never give up

Should I even mention this? 5 minutes left, and Bobby ran a quarter of the pitch to score a try in the final against HELP. Absolutely unbelievable! I lost my voice ( and me head) when the final whistle was blown. 7 players injured in the final, and we still won!

3. Stick it out

You're tired, frustrated, and out of ideas. So what do you do? Sleep it off? No, you keep on at it. You just soldier on and fight it till it draws all the energy from you. You stick it out, and believe you me, wonders will occur.

These are probably the three most important lessons I've learned this year. Maybe you have too.

A Rather Odd, Peculiar, and Unexpected Turn of Events

2009-03-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

It's funny sometimes when I think how life turns out for you, or rather, in front of you.

Last Friday, I (finally) hit the gym for a regular workout. Yes, I do workout people! So, at first, I was contemplating after my 5 hour long meeting with Jon and Des whether to go to the gym or otherwise. Well, i decided that I shouldn't procrastinate anymore an just hit the gym.

So i decided to go.

After working out, I met Dharma and Alex who were about to participate in their respective sports in the Notts games. Alex asked me to hold his bag for a while. I was ABOUT to leave, when I heard Ali ( business school captain ) calling my name. He told me that I might have to play badminton for business school. I, at first, was a bit taken aback. Apparently my name was on the reserves list;2 people had gone for vacation (wtf?) and another 2 had gone home. So, Ali asked me to play, and play I did.

Chung (Vietnam guy) had to play singles, doubles, and mixed doubles in our match against e&e. Talk about stamina! Anyways, I played doubles, and lost 30-21. Well, I guess that was okay.

Looking back, guess that decision of going to gym really did paid off huh?

Life is about the choices we make, so make the right ones.

Cheerio.

ps. Rachel, you are officially the swear king/queen. You rock! Big time!

There will always be

2009-03-01T00:43:00.000-08:00

Why do I even care? Why do I even bother? What am I trying to prove?

My philosophy is life is - to be the best. That is what I have always strived to prove all throughout my life. I want to be number one, and I have never been satisfied with anything short of that. More often than not, I always fall short, but, there are exceptions to this - I have proved to be the best sometimes. Just sometimes.

Now, looking back, why do I even bother? I always fall short. No matter how good I am, there will always be someone who's better than me. Someone. I like to think of myself as a nice guy, and a good friend. I do not possess the looks of Jude Law, nor the charm of Pierce Brosnan, and neither the body of Vin Diesel. I am simply - me. I tried and tried and tried, and never gave up, for 8 months - I fought, and fought. At the end of the day, I was simply not good enough. There was someone who was better than me. There always were, there were always be.

The question is, why doI even bother to be number one? What on earth am I trying to prove? I tried to be the best in class - I fell short, I tried to be the best on the playing fields - I fell short, and even in relationships - I give it my best, but I always fell short. 13 times that is. 13 times.

Why am I not surprised? I look around. No matter how much we try, no matter what political ideologies our country has, we will always be not equal. Eventhough our wealth may be the same, there will always be some of us who are poor in gifts, rich in gifts, or poor in love, rich in love. There will always be something to envy your neighbour. There will always be someone better than me/you.

There will always be.

The Best Speech Of All Time

2009-02-09T07:17:00.000-08:00

Here's a speech all of you would know of ( and probably here of too ):-

I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. And so we've come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.

In a sense we've come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the "unalienable Rights" of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds."

But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so, we've come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.

We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. And those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. And there will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people, who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice: In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.

The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.

We cannot walk alone.

And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead.

We cannot turn back.

There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their self-hood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating: "For Whites Only." We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until "justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream."

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. And some of you have come from areas where your quest -- quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive. Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed.

Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.

And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" -- one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."²

This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go back to the South with.

With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

And this will be the day -- this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning:

My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride,
From every mountainside, let freedom ring!

And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.

And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.

Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.
Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.
Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.

But not only that:

Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.
Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.
From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:

Free at last! Free at last!

Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!

I believe the dream is truly on. And being lived.

Dreams

2009-01-28T08:18:00.000-08:00

All of us dream. Whether it's flying to the moon, or playing alongside Ronaldo in the United jersey, we all have our own distinctive, unique, dream, that somehow, one way or the other, truly characterizes us. Those dreams too may even be a reflection of what we truly want in our life.

Sometimes, well, most of the time actually, I often find my dreams to be larger than my very existence. Sometimes I dream about things that....is the sort of Gods, as you might say. Not technically God, but, the stuff of Gods.

I wonder, can I ever achieve it?

40 years ago, I doubt Obama would have imagined he would one day be elected as the first Black President of probably the second most powerful country in the world ( the first being Israel, read my blog below ). I doubt that Alexander ( The Great? ) would have dreamt that he was to be written about a few thousand years after he died. I doubt Bill Gated, after being dumped from Harvard, would have believed that he would, in the future, be the CEO of the probably the most influential company of the 21st century. I doubt all of those would have dreamt so.

So please people, no matter how big your dreams are, dream on. Literally.

ps. I just saw the former Queen! SERIOUSLY !

Clearing The Air Rationally

2009-01-23T05:38:00.000-08:00

No, this post isn't about air pollution, nor is it about avoiding the use of aerosol and oil. Rather, it is about the tragic incidents that occurred in Gaza. Some of you might be emotional about this subject; the imhumane slaughtering/genocide of 1500 innocent civillians is more than enough to anger anyone, but I feel that, in recent news reportings ( on the paper and through the tube ) and through some blogs, that most of YOU don't get the Jews and Israelis. Let me point out to you and clear things up, drawing from my own personal knowledge.

The state of Israel was created in 1948, to where it is presently. If you were to look at any maps prior to 1948, you would not see an Israel, but you would see Palestine. In an attempt to save the Jewish race, the British saved whatever Jews they could, transported them on a boat, and sailed them to Palestine. Why there of all places? Well, it was dangerous to transport them from Hungary and Poland ( where most Jews were located in Europe that time ) back to England due to geographical reasons. Hungary and Poland are in eastern Europe, and it would make logic to transport them to somewhere nearby, a British protectorate, Palestine. It was dangerous too to send them all the way to the USA as the Atlantic then was filled with German U-Boats, which would have easily sunk those ships. So, that's why the Jews settled there. Historically speaking, the Jews have always been nomads, with no real 'motherland'. So the British saved their race from being slaughtered by Hitler in Nazi-controlled Europe.

No harm there, right?

Now, after the war, in 1948, the British promised the Jews a 'homeland', somewhere they would call their own. So, the British created the state of Israel, carved up from Palestine. They did so because Palestine was a colony of Great Britain, and they just did so because they felt that they owned the land.

Wrong move.

So now, back to the present, all of you have said that you would want to boycott Jewish products. The Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia said this too. Here's a list I retrieved ( reliably ) of Jewish owned businesses:

HSBC Bank Compaq Hugo Boss Burger King

Dell Intel Kenneth Cole DeBeers

Lotus Microsoft L'Oreal Danone

Pentium Packard Ralph Lauren Dunkin' Donuts

Banana Republic Calvin Klein Lauren Haagen Dazs

DKNY Estee Lauder Timberland Marks & Spencer

Gap Guess Baskin & Robbins McDonalds

Nestle Sainsbury TESCO ABC

AT & T Bloomberg CBS Disney

Metro Goldwyn Mayer Motion Pictures Motorola MTV

NBC Newsweek Paramount Pictures Time Warner

Barclays Johnson & Johnson Land Rover Hasbro

Mattel Toys R Us

Okay, so tell me, do you still want to boycott their products now? Look people, there are differences between being an anti-Semitist, and an anti-Zionist. I'll tell you the difference. An anti-Semitist means that you hate Jews. All of the dirty bastards. All of them. Every single one of them. Doesn't matter who and where, you hate them. Being an anti-Zionist means, you hate the Israeli government. A Zionist is one that is extreme right ( in a political sense ), as opposed to an extreme left ( Communism - Cuba, China etc. ). So, being the latter, you hate the Israeli government.

The latter is the one you should be hating, not the former.

Being an anti-Semitist, to me, is like being racist. It's like saying you hate all Blacks in the world, or all Chinese, or Indians. Doesn't that sound racist? Let's put that to the context of this post. A Jew doesn't necessarily hail from Israel, a Jew could hail from Hungary or Poland. Like I mentioned earlier, Jews have always been nomads. Today's Jews can be found in the United States ( largely ), and other western nations. Most of them don't have Jewish sounding names, nor been born in Israel. So, why hate them? They have done nothing wrong to the Gaza people. Why boycott Jewish brands when all of the companies are apolitical, nor do they give $ 100 million dollars each year to the Israel government. These companies do not affect Israel's military actions at all. Why boycott them? By doing so, you only hurt your economy, and theirs, as well as putting millions of people out of jobs. Now that would be worst isn't it?

All of you have the misconception that the Jewish businesses are the ones supplying Israel with money. WRONG! The one doing so is the ( former ) President of the United States, Mr. George W. Bush. He just whips out a blank cheque to the Prime Minister of Israel, Mr. Ehud Olmert, to buy guns and ammunition that drives the war. Why does Mr. Bush does so? Well, as you can see from the list, all the brands stated are big ones, and to not support Israel would mean not supporting them, and those businesses would very well pack their bags, and be based in another country. The US would be left with nothing, and the whole world will suffer.

Such Jews are known as the Neturei Karta ( Jewish sympathisers ) are the ones holding the US at a gun point. Support and finance Israel's war, or we will leave our businesses and go. But assuming you still want to boycott their products, this is what you can do:

Wake up in the morning. Shower. Slip in to my Calvin Klein boxers ( oh wait, they're Jewish, erm, perhaps Camel? ), wear my Ralph Lauren t-shirt ( can't do too ), nor can I wear my Kenneth Cole watch. Go on theinter net for a moment, oops! Can't! Intel and Microsoft are owned by Jews, dang, gotta throw this pc away. At the same time, my girlfriend dresses up in her DKNY, uses her L'Oreal make up, but guess what?I tell her she can't cos it's all Jewish! Nevermind that, I head to the bank to withdraw some cash, good thing I didn't use HSBC. Once I'm at the mall with my girlfriend, we are hungry and decide to eat. So here goes, we have to avoid Haagen Dazs, McDonalds and Baskin Robbins. I can't buy that Timberland shoes that I always wanted to, nor can I get my nephew a toy from Hasbro, Mattel, or Toys R Us. They're all Jewish. I too decided to propose to my girlfriend today, but I can't buy that diamond ring from DeBeers, which is by far the best in the industry. I shop for groceries, I can't have Koko Krunch anymore, nor my Danone chocolate biscuits, nor can I shop at TESCO. I go home for some tv, I avoid flipping to MTV, can't watch the business news on Bloomberg, or Jay Leno on NBC. Hey, to all you Heroes fans, stop watching that too! It's produced by ABC! Fuck, I can't even watch the Premier League, cos it's sponsored by Barclays! Not even online! I already threw out my computer! I can't even freaking watch Paramount and M & G movies!

You see, if you were to boycott Jewsih products, that's what you'll be doing each day. So be rationale people, don't boycott them. Cos you can't. If you want a list of things/people to hate, here is what I suggest:-

1. Former President George W. Bush

2. The Zionist Israeli Regime

3. Mossad

4. Neturei Karta

5. Show your disgust at the Israeli government

Note that I didn't mention Jews that reside in Israel. You know why? It's because there are sects that protested the recent invasion ( the Jews have sects too, something like Catholics and Protestants in a way). So, it would be unwise for us to hate all Israeli citizens as some of them oppose the war. And you would all be wondering what's number 3. I'll explain later.

So, all of you, please, be rationale in this incident. There are always two sides to a story, and I gave you both. I'm not saying that I like what Israel is doing, I don't, and some of you know me that I hate the Israel government. I am an anti-Zionist, not an anti-Semitist. I am not racist, I hate the Jews that support this war on Palestine. And former President George Bush. I will continue to buy those products as I mentioned. I will continue to hate the Zionist regime, and show my disgust for them. I also blame Hamas for opening their military bases in the middle of the neighbourhood, for it was this reason why so many innocent people died. I also hate Israel for the lack of respect they showed for the UN by bombing UN built schools and food stores.

The Mossad, or the Israeli Secret Service, is something like the CIA or MI6. Israeli version. Although the Israel government claim that the Mossad doesn't exist, it does in fact, and it is, mind you, VERY POWERFUL. Let me tell you why. In 1999, the Vatican acknowledged the existance of Israel. Why after all the years? Why only now? Well, it's because the Mossad infiltrated the Vatican. Yes people. Infiltrated the Vatican. That's why they got the recognition. The Vatican would have only acknowledged their existence if Israel reopened the trial of the murder of Jesus Christ, which they wouldn't. Now, I urge any of you to read this book entitled By Way of Deception by Victor Ostrovsky, who was a former Mossad agent himself.

There is also one, final, conspiracy theory that I read about recently. It stated that the true people who caused the tragic September 11 attacks were the Mossad. Why? Well, probably because the US and Israel were getting bored in the Middle East and needed some places to bomb. So, Mossad hijacked the plane, crashed it in, and Mr. Bush blamed it on the Taliban, and the rest, as said, is hostory. Why would any of you believe this pice of garbage? Sounds like any other conspiracy theory doesn't it? Why is this one so special?

1000 Jews didn't turn up for work in the World Trade Center on September the 11th.

2008.

2009-01-02T05:20:00.000-08:00

In a word, it would have been impossible for me to sum up 2008 in a sentence, let alone in a word. But, at a fair attempt, I would say it had been another topsy-turvy year. I had my fair share of good times, the bad times, and very bad times as well.

Let me tell you why.

For starters, New Years day 2008 was kinda, well, BORING. I was at home preparing for exams when I realised the clock was about to strike 12, and, if it was not mistaken, I was studying management. Yes people, it was that lame. Subsequently, exams came and went, and I felt I did pretty well. Second semester ended in May, and although that exam did not go as well as the first, as a whole, I would say it was a pretty good attempt.

Then came the holidays.

I underestimated 4 months. It dragged. And dragged. I was absolutely unproductive in that 4 months. The best part of it had to be the Soaring The Eagle camp at Port Dickson. Absolutely awesome stuff. Fantastic experience, exciting people, and the time spent there was truly memorable. Those of you who went there will know.

Then came the the Langkawi family trip. Despite having a fever, I thought that I enjoyed the trip. And the shopping was great...then came officially the WORST MONTH OF MY LIFE. August. Chicken fucking pox! It screwed up my month, my birthday, the start of my football season, my diet, the last days of my holidays, and what not. Jesus Christ, I get trauma everytime I think of it. Including now.

Then came first year. The degree programme. I guess starting your degree at the age of 19 does take it's toll on you. Here's a toast to the next three years!

Well, those are the good times, there are of course the bad times. Which of course, I will not mention here. Those that know, are those that know. And with that, I judge that the bad times outnumber the good times, and therefore, I classify and deduce 2008 as a bad year for me.

Here's to 2009. Hopefully, one that doesn't involve chicken pox.

ps. Shit, I'm turning 20! in 8 months!

This is how I feel right now.

2008-12-25T23:13:00.000-08:00

So here it is again
Rape and pillage Prudence
To win the public vote

Someone tell me who will take the prize
And who takes the fall

So confused when you're lost in the groove
So confused when you're lost in the groove

And Delta comes again
And her masks are shifting like a chameleon
Someone tell me why she breaks my fall
And then breaks my heart

So confused when you're lost in the groove
So confused when you're lost in the groove

Wow!

So confused when you're lost in the groove
So confused when you're lost in the groove

ps. Can someone tell me why she does that?

Seasons' Greetings

2008-12-24T08:40:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Everyone.

Cheers.

Me brave? You gotta be kidding me!

2008-12-22T01:44:00.001-08:00

This is something I found off a website. It's about what my name really means from http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyournameshiddenmeaningquiz/:

You Are Bold and Fearless

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.
You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.
You have the classic "Type A" personality.

You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong.
You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know.
You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do.

You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out.
Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia.
Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person.

You are very hyper. You never slow down, even when it's killing you.
You're the type of person who can be a workaholic during the day... and still have the energy to party all night.
Your energy is definitely a magnet for those around you. People are addicted to your vibe.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.
You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.
You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.
You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.
You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row.
You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace.
People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.
You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.
At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.
You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.
You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.

You are deeply philosophical and thoughtful. You tend to analyze every aspect of your life.
You are intuitive, brilliant, and quite introverted. You value your time alone.
Often times, you are grumpy with other people. You don't appreciate them trying to interfere in your affairs.

Partayyyyy Time !

2008-12-19T08:37:00.000-08:00

Alright, the semester just ended. As in it's done. Kapish. Over. The End. Although we do have exams in less than a month....

Oh well, it was while it lasted. Back to studying.

Cheers mates!

ps. The post above does not reflect my true feeling right now. It's just so difficult to state the happiness I'm experiencing now. Haha.

So, let's partayyyy everyone !!!!!!

When I'm Not Superman

2008-12-14T05:55:00.000-08:00

" There was a time when the world asked ordinary men to do extraordinary things"

I often pondered upon that line, and tried to understand the depth of it's meaning. What did it mean? That's when I heard the song Superman by Five For Fighting, and that line suddenly made perfect sense.

We are humans, and at times, circumstances occur in such a way that we are asked to do things beyond our usual capabilities. Things that require more strength in aptitude, more deeper understanding, and a more steadier concentration. When are those times you might ponder? Anytime could be that time.

I am often subjected to this. I often feel that I have been too much subjected to this. Sometimes, I prove myself. But when I do, I am giving the perception that I can actually do these things as my usual capabilities, thus, I am then asked to do more. I am constantly being pushed and tested to the limit. Then, what happens when one day, I fail? Have I failed myself then, or others? It is often the latter. I feel that I have failed everyone else, I let them down. I do not live up to their expectations and hopes. Recognition doesn't usually come when I succeed, but when I fail, I look around and see no one behind nor beside me. But in front of me.

But what am I able to do? Yes, I did fail them. But then again, am I letting everyone else dictate how I should live my life, or should I live my own life? That is the question I seek to know it's answer.

So people, your hopes drive me to higher standards, and pushes me to the limits. I learn more about myself each time I do so, and I hope that one day, I can truly realise my potential.

But if I fail, please forgive me. I am only human. I am only Ash. No more, no less.

A quickie

2008-12-12T21:26:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I haven't been blogging much guys, but here's a quick post. I read this from thesun UK. United fans will get it.

" Dimitar Berbatov. Took one look at City and said fuck off! "

Cheers mates.

RIP Sarankan Srikandarajah

2008-12-02T08:57:00.000-08:00

Campus in mourning
By Teoh El Sen December 02, 2008 Categories: News

"Fear and shock has gripped the mourning students of University of Nottingham Malaysia in Semenyih following the brutal and senseless slaying of Sri Lankan student Sarankan Srikandarajah, 21. Students are afraid to leave campus grounds or their homes after last Wednesday’s gang slashings that left three others injured.
"Business has dropped. Our hearts stop whenever fast cars zoom past," said a restaurant manager about the current situation in the usually bustling area.

Last Wednesday, a gang of parang-wielding men attacked four university stduents at a restaurant in the town. Sarankan died on Sunday at Kajang Hospital.
Students wore black ribbons on their arms and wrists yesterday in remembrance of Sarankan. He was a top student at the Faculty of Electrical & Electronics Engineering and was among 10 chosen to be sent to United Kingdom on a student exchange programme.

Some 500 students attended a memorial service and candlelight vigil for the "fun-loving and helpful" Sarankan yesterday. The university’s vice-president, Ian Pashby, said academic activities would be cancelled on Friday, which would be a day of mourning for Sarankan.

"We have seen and heard of so many break-ins, thefts and of students being held at knife-point. This was the worst case so far," said an officer from the university students’ association. Police patrols in the area, he added, have instead decreased.
"More than half the students live off campus, and are often victims of gangs in the area," he said, adding that the closest police station was 7km away.

Students, parents and residents in Semenyih are hoping that the authorities, including the university management, would boost security in the area.
Security guards at the campus have been ordered to be extra-vigilant and to check the identities of all who enter the campus.

The university’s director of Administrative Support Searvices, Paul Boardman, has advised students to stay away from bars in the area "until these criminals have been caught".

Sarankan died four days after the attack. University students have also accused the Kajang Hospital of not attending to the victims for five hours. The victims were later transfered to Assunta Hospital and Subang Jaya Medical Centre.
Some of Sarankan’s fingers were severed and his left hand was almost severed. He was also slashed in the leg, and he died from excessive bleeding.

The other victims of the attack are a 22-year-old student from India and a local man whose identity could not be confirmed. The former is still warded at the Assunta Hospital while the latter has been discharged from the Kajang Hospital.
A 22-year-old local student from the same university, who was hurt in another slashing incident that happened minutes after the first, has been given close to 50 stitches."

My brother, rest in peace eternally mate.

An underdog I am, a nerd I be

2008-11-16T09:24:00.000-08:00

It's funny to think how much I've slacked this semester. Assignments are due soon and I've just started. Odd. Ironic. Funny.

It's also quite startling to see how much drive and energy I've lost in first year. I made some resolutions this semester, such as concentrating in class, attending classes, doing tutorials, studying more, pushing myself even harder and what not. After 8 weeks, it just hit me in the head - where is the old me?

I admit that I was your typical nerd in high school. Moustache, digital watch, big water bottle, tuition after school. The old me. Now, looking back, I wonder, what I've done to him? Where has he gone? and more importantly, will he ever come back? I sometimes ponder, did I push him away, killed him, perhaps? I feel guilty sometimes, I often look in the mirror, and see him, staring at me, looking sad.

And I wonder, where is he?

On Friday night, I had a bout of flu. It killed me, I was literally sneezing every 5 seconds. I was struggling to finish my SO assignment, which took up my day. Plus my laptop adapter got croken, so I had to but a new one. 190 bucks man. WTF ? Anyways, when I was finally done, I ACCIDENTALLY deleted the file - off my pendrive! Christ sake, all my work was gone. That's where I thought I had it. I took a pill, and went to bed.

The next morning, I woke up feeling different. No, it was not because it was 8 am, but just had the feeling that I have felt like this before. It was 8 am. I had only slept on 6 hours on a weekend. Why on earth was I awake?

I woke up, and started on SO. At 8 am. I finished at 12 pm. I didn't move an inch. Okay, maybe I did go to the toilet. After lunch, I worked on economics. Again, I just sat and typed. And typed. The ideas kept flowing. That's where I said to myself, Welcome Back. Boy, I really needed you. It happened the same on Sunday.

Then, while watching a football match, the favourites took on an underdog team. And each time the favourites scored, everyone would cheer. Each time the underdogs made a mistake, everyone laughed. The latter got thrashed. I felt sorry for them. They had guts to take on the favourites, they played with tremendous pride and heart to keep the opponents at bay, but yet, failed. I thought, they are like me. I am an underdog. Always has, is, and will always be.

I'm always number 2. Rarely number 1. Yet, I keep going for it. I don't like to be tagged the favourite, makes me pressured. I like to test myself against the very best - I have nothing to lose, but much to gain. When I lose, which I do often, I don't blame myself. Maybe sometimes, but not always. I am the underdog. Was, is, always will be.

I am a nerd, no matter how much I try covering it, hiding it, or running away from it, it's there in me.

An underdog I am, a nerd I be.

Gooday mate.

ps. I'm back. And I'm here to stay.

Unproductiveness

2008-11-06T07:54:00.000-08:00

Okay, the first 6 weeks of the degree programme has been a......deja vu feeling. Haha. I'm back to my old ways, skipping classes, sleeping late, skipping tutorials, blowing cash and doing crazy shit all over again. So far I've had two massive drinking sessions ( and it's only week 6! ) and back to my lazy-ness feeling.

Okay, this has to stop I guess.

Right, next week I'm gonna have a ultra-productive week. Here's what I planned:

Monday - Entrepreneurship
Tuesday - CIB
Wednesday - HSBCYEA
Thursday - Economics
Friday - Law
Saturday - SO
Sunday - Random sheet ( haha )

I can't wait till then. As if.

Adios!

Fuck You Ferrari !

2008-11-03T06:40:00.000-08:00

Hahahaha. Revenge is done. Hamilton won the title by a point, the same margin he lost by in last year's season.

Fuck you Ferrari, you deserve this.

All hail Lewis. The GREATEST of them all.

Random sheet

2008-10-28T23:58:00.000-07:00

Here's some random sheet I got in an email, about my horoscope. I think it might be true.

VIRGO - The Perfectionist ( I was, but I'm happy with what I have now )

Dominant in relationships
- Never been in one, so I don't know.

Conservative
- In the past maybe, I think I'm quite liberal now.

Always wants the last word
- Depends who I'm arguing with. If it's my crazy aunt, yeah.

Argumentative
- Nah.

Worries
- Very much.

Very smart
- No wayyy.

Dislikes noise and chaos
- Who doesn't ?

Eager
- Yeah, kindav impatient most of the time.

Hardworking
- No comment.

Loyal
- Very.

Beautiful
- Hahahahahaha.

Easy to talk to
- Yeah, I sorta know if you have a problem, or just need to talk to someone.

Hard to please
- Sorta.

Harsh
- No.

Practical and very fussy
- Practical, yes. Fussy, errrr.....

Often shy
- Yeah, very. I blush quite easily. QUITE.

Pessimistic
- Unfortunately so.

Aite. That's some stuff about me. I think that these horoscope shit is kindav true. I mean, it reflects me, my behaviour, who I am and what I do. Not all, just some, and not everytime, just sometimes.

Just sometimes.

Season's Greetings

2008-10-26T00:48:00.000-07:00

To all of you,

Happy Diwali

Cheers.

ps. I'll try to bring some cookies over, hopefully I don't finish them.

Tagged by Su Wen

2008-10-17T10:04:00.001-07:00

Okay, since I only to got to know su wern tagged me after Rach, the rest of my answers are the same except these:-

1. What is the relationship of you and her?
Friends since 1st October 2007, my classmate in Ms. Allison's ever fun english class.

2. Your five impressions towards her.-
Friendly
Cheerful
Always smiling
Cute
Nice haircut

3. The most memorable thing she had done for you.
Hmmm...asked me to do her survey?

4. The most memorable thing she had said to you.
I look nice withg the piercing !!! ( woohoooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!)

5. If she become your lover, you will...
Ask her to cut a new hairstyle cos it's better than mine. haha

6. If she become your enemy, you will...
She's too cute to be hated la.

7. If she become your lover, she has to improve on...
Nothing, just get a new haircut...argh !! yours so nice !!

8. If she become your enemy, the reason is.......
Refer to question 6

9. The most desirable thing to do on her is?
Hang out more often

10. The overall impression of her is?
Cute !

Tagged by Rach

2008-10-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

1. What is the relationship of you and her?
Friends since 1st October 2007, my classmate in Ms. Allison's ever fun english class.

2. Your five impressions towards her.-
Friendly
Cheerful
Joyous
Sporting
HOT !!!

3. The most memorable thing she had done for you.
Hmmm...organised our class' group picture during foundation. Rach, thanks so much. I'll treasure the picture.

4. The most memorable thing she had said to you.
Asking whether ****** was gay or not ( Rach, you know who kan ??? ) haha

5. If she become your lover, you will...
cool her down cos she's hot ( that's the worst pick up line ever, sigh )

6. If she become your enemy, you will...
Hire James Bond to kill her. no la, kidding only.

7. If she become your lover, she has to improve on...
Nothing, she's great just the way she is ( hmmm....second worst pick up line )

8. If she become your enemy, the reason is.......
She got longer hair than me. of all the reasons in the world.

9. The most desirable thing to do on her is?
Stop communicating with her through blogspot and through msn ! ( ps Rach, Im not flirting with you.haha )

10. The overall impression of her is?
Very cheerful !!!

11. How do you think the people around you will feel about you?
They'll wondering the main reasonw hy i pierced my ear ( for those of you who don't know, I pierced my ear )

12. The character of you for yourself is?
Resilient, hardworking.

13. On contrary, the character you hate of yourself is?
I brag sometimes. I hate the guts out of it.

14. The most ideal person that you wanna be is?
God. or Me.

Part Two.

1. Each player of this game starts off with 15 weird things/habits/little known facts about yourself.

2. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 15 weird things/habits/little known facts as well as state the rules clearly.

3. At the end, you need to choose 10 people to be tagged and list their names.

4. No tags back!

- - - - -

1. I love cars

2. I'm a sensitive person

3. I love money

4. I have 6 pairs of shoes

5. I have 4 pairs of jeans

6. I love original stuff, no fake fake one

7. I weigh only 58 kilos

8. I'm hairy

9. I'm a hardcore football fan

10. I like everything to be neat and tidy

11. I prefer to stay at home than to travel

12. I often get flu

13. I love to shop

14. I prefer tea anytime than coffee

15. I'm a bookworm

I tag :

Harvind
Isam
Umamah
Debra
Pei Wern

Harvind, don't blame me for plagiarizing this blog. Haha.

2008-10-13T09:41:00.001-07:00

Okay, I know Vind, I've always plagiarized your blog, but this time it's not my fault right ? Haha.

three names you go by :
- Ash
- Gabbir
- Manager

three screen names you have had :
- Alex Ferguson
- Lesbian ( Don't bother asking why )
- Buckhingham Palace Sentry Guard ( something to do with my bushy hair )

three physical things you like about yourself :

- My body hair
- My leg hair
- My facial hair

three physical things you don't like about yourself :

- Too much hair
- My often bushy hair
- My facial hair ( I HAVE TO shave every week )

three parts of your heritage :
- India
- Indian
- Indiano

three things that scare you :
- Heights
- Snakes
- Bees

three of your everyday essentials :

- Cellphone
- Shaver
- Specs

three things you are wearing now :
- boxers
- T-shirt
- There's no number three

three of your favourite bands or musical arts :

- Coldplay
- The Script
- Blink 182

three of your favourite songs (right now) :

- Yellow by Coldplay
- If You See Kay by The Script
- Love Lockdown by Kanye West

three things you want in a relationship :

- Trust
- Honesty
- Love

three physical things about the opposite sex that appeals to you :

- Height
- Hair
- Eyes

three of your hobbies :

- Sleeping
- Eating
- Sleep then eat again

three things you wanna do really badly right now :

- wanna a girl
- wanna a car
- cashhhh

three careers you're considering/considered before :
- astronaut
- historian
- crazy ass frankenstein scientist

three places you want to go on vacation :
- france
- you kay
- sweden

three things you want to do before you die :

- win a nobel prize
- get knighted
- become Prime Minister

five people that you would like to see take this quiz now :
- Umamah
- Ling Yok
- Rachael
- Li Ching
- Su Wern

Career Test

2008-10-10T01:07:00.000-07:00

I took a personality test online from a very well known source, http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes1.htm.

After doing like 70 plus questions, here's what they say about me:

Your Type is INFJ

Strength of the preferences % :-

Introverted = 56
Intuitive = 38
Feeling = 25
Judging = 67

Idealist Portrait of the Counselor (INFJ)

Counselors have an exceptionally strong desire to contribute to the welfare of others, and find great personal fulfillment interacting with people, nurturing their personal development, guiding them to realize their human potential. Although they are happy working at jobs (such as writing) that require solitude and close attention, Counselors do quite well with individuals or groups of people, provided that the personal interactions are not superficial, and that they find some quiet, private time every now and then to recharge their batteries. Counselors are both kind and positive in their handling of others; they are great listeners and seem naturally interested in helping people with their personal problems. Not usually visible leaders, Counselors prefer to work intensely with those close to them, especially on a one-to-one basis, quietly exerting their influence behind the scenes.

Counselors are scarce, little more than one percent of the population, and can be hard to get to know, since they tend not to share their innermost thoughts or their powerful emotional reactions except with their loved ones. They are highly private people, with an unusually rich, complicated inner life. Friends or colleagues who have known them for years may find sides emerging which come as a surprise. Not that Counselors are flighty or scattered; they value their integrity a great deal, but they have mysterious, intricately woven personalities which sometimes puzzle even them.

Counselors tend to work effectively in organizations. They value staff harmony and make every effort to help an organization run smoothly and pleasantly. They understand and use human systems creatively, and are good at consulting and cooperating with others. As employees or employers, Counselors are concerned with people's feelings and are able to act as a barometer of the feelings within the organization.

Blessed with vivid imaginations, Counselors are often seen as the most poetical of all the types, and in fact they use a lot of poetic imagery in their everyday language. Their great talent for language-both written and spoken-is usually directed toward communicating with people in a personalized way. Counselors are highly intuitive and can recognize another's emotions or intentions - good or evil - even before that person is aware of them. Counselors themselves can seldom tell how they came to read others' feelings so keenly. This extreme sensitivity to others could very well be the basis of the Counselor's remarkable ability to experience a whole array of psychic phenomena.

Mohandas Gandhi, Sidney Poitier, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jane Goodall, Emily Bronte, Sir Alec Guiness, Carl Jung, Mary Baker Eddy, Queen Noor, John Bradshaw, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, John Calvin, Nicole Kidman are examples of the Counselor Idealist (INFJ).

The Counselor (INFJ) is a more private person than the Teacher. They, too, can be found in the field of education as a professor , teacher, counselor, or educational consultant. Sometimes they feel a strong calling toward the religious life as clergy, nun, or director of religious education. Social service jobs, such as social worker, social scientist, or mediator can fit their needs. Some Counselors work in human services, marketing, or as a job analyst. Others are drawn to the arts as a novelist, designer, or artist. Says Benito, “My art is very personal. It expresses who I am at the same time reaching out to draw the viewer in. My art changes the viewer’s perspective of reality.”

It also says that the suitable careers for me are, 1. Social Services = Social Work, Education, Librarian, Law, 2. Health Care = Early Childhood Education, Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Counseling, 3. Art/Science = Design, Science.

Hmmmm.....you judge.

ps. Vind, you can sue me. Again. Haha.

Back At Notts !

2008-10-04T01:07:00.000-07:00

Campus is DEAD. With a capital D-E-A-D. I came back thursday night so to escape the mad rush on saturday and sunday. As well as to do a wee bit of law revision. My oh my, management is much easier than this. But it is much more interesting. Much much more.

And I heard that the current operators of the cafetaria are packing up tomorrow. I think this date should go down in history, or nottingham history at least. Hooray for the ending of shitty food, overpriced meals, and bug infested tables. Hooray for the end of stuffy and dry atmosphere, and long queue lines.

Plus my body is sore after yesterday's gym session, yeap, as much as it is surprising, I am going to the gym. And I will be going there in an hour too. For now, the library's internet connection is sucky, plus my head is filled with the words claimant, defendant, prosecute and house of lords.

Adios.

ps. Chern Ta, if you read this, you're a stalker ! hahaha.

To my man - dan !

2008-09-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

Okay people, I think there comes certain times where some people deserve an award or a medal of some sort, eventhough it's for an achievement that may not be...well, not recognisable by international bodies. But it is creditable nonetheless, and for this,

Danial, I hereby bestow this Most Comments On This Useless Blog Page to you, on this day, the 30th of September of the year 2008 AD.

Cheers mate.

I can cut through anything, so cut me some slack will ya now ?

2008-09-26T09:33:00.000-07:00

Okay people. I know I haven't been blogging for the past like 16 days..i've been tied up with work, or rather tied down. Okay, i'm just plain lazy to blog. You got me. Guilty as charged. Well, classes began this week, and it's been rather tiring really, both physically and mentally, as well as some pressure on the ole' kidneys I should say. Poor them, they haven't been worked like that in a while.

Here's a summary of my shitty week :

Sunday

Right. I came at about 4 pm, put me stuff down, then off to what I do best. Sleeping. Broke fast with Umamah at the shitty cafe, then off to Fawwaz's to catch the chelsea-united game. Good game, although it made me sit right at the edge of me chair sometimes. Drank a bit, a sip or two, no more. Back to fawwaz's, chilled, then went back, and....slept.

Monday

Class at 10 ! I started off undergraduate studies with my most favourite-est subject in the world, accounts ! Business accounting actually, but it's an introductory course, so it should be the same as foundation, i guess....err...hope so. The class was ended at 12, and by god, was it packed ! 200 or so people in one hall. Holy cow. Thankfully, there weren't any teaching. Then at 2 pm, we had business economics aka microeconomics. Our lecturer, Dr. Rasyaad Parinduri, is an intriguing feelow. He looks local but we're convinced his not. His accents' giving it away. But nonetheless he was a witty chap, he even has a blog. So long notes ! Class ended at 4, then back to my room to...can't remember what I did.

Toosday

Class was at 9 am ! Grrr...I hate when that happens. Studying organizations, sounds like a bit of management to me. Whoever thought of the idea of concealing management as studying organizations did a bad job by the looks of it. Thank gawd it's 100% assessment based, like a 3000 word essay. A hint of social science in there. Class was for an hour, then off for business law A at 11. This is THE subject, with an average mark of 37 and a failure rate of 70%, this was no joke. It did soud interesting though, and the lecturer was nice. Super duper. The thing was - Wendy is the tutorial lecturer ! Arghhhhhhhhh. We had no classes after that. Then we had a buka puasa thing with PETRONAS at night for 5 friggin hours man ! But the food was...superb !

Wednesday

Class at 10, entrepreneurhsip. We had to submit a report on an innovative and distinct invention of our own in the form of a report by the end of the semester. Kinda cool. Now what's that stuff I always wanted......2-3 pm was computers in business. Sounds like IT to me. We formed our groups, there's a norwegian dude in my group. Woah. Cool huh ? We also formed our groups for entrepreneurship. In the evening I went off to kajang to meet satwant who wanted to come to notts, so he came and we had a good time there. In the evening I went to watch futsal, and I played in the left out position. Damn, that was lame. Had KFC at night with Prisham and the gang, then watched some russell peters.

Thursday

This has to be the shittiest day of all. Woke up late, wanted to see the lecturers, some of them weren't there, wanted to eat, no cash, wanted to withdraw, atm rejected at 4 banks. what the fuck man...then went over to fawwaz's to catch a movie, and then had a nice long nap till 7.30. PM mind you. Had dinner at Idi's, then went off to Shah's housewarming along with Arun, Thush and Jeremy. Yes, we had alcohol. Plenty, Fun ; Much, great time, definitely yes. Went back at 1, showered and slept like a baby till 6.30 !

Friday.

Woke up at 10, took the 11 am bus to ktm. BLOODY SHIT KTM ! I waited for 30 minutes for the packed up train and squeezed in like a sardine can with my laptop and my week's laundry. Went to mid to repair my phone, the bloody spare part didnt arrive yet. The only good thing was I had Carl's Jr ! Yayy. Thats all. And here I am blogging.

ps, this blog sounds gay, don't mind it eh ?

Cheers mate.

The Man Who Can't Be Moved - The Script

2008-09-11T01:35:00.000-07:00

Going back to the corner where I first saw you,
Gonna camp in my sleeping bag. I'm not gonna move,
Got some words on cardboard got your picture in my hand,
Saying if you see this girl can you tell her where I am,
Some try to hand me money they don't understand,
I'm not... broke I'm just a broken hearted man,
I know it makes no sense, but what else can I do,
How can I move on when I've been in love with you...

Cos if one day you wake up and find that you're missing me,
And your heart starts to wonder where on this earth I can be,
Thinking maybe you'd come back here to the place that we'd meet,
And you'd see me waiting for you on the corner of the street.

So I'm not moving...
I'm not moving.

Policeman says son you can't stay here,
I said there's someone I'm waiting for if it's a day, a month, a year,
Gotta stand my ground even if it rains or snows,
If she changes her mind this is the first place she will go.

Cos if one day you wake up and find that you're missing me,
And your heart starts to wonder where on this earth I can be,
Thinking maybe you'd come back here to the place that we'd meet,
And you'd see me waiting for you on the corner of the street.

So I'm not moving...
I'm not moving.

I'm not moving...
I'm not moving.

People talk about the guy
Whos waiting on a girl...
Oohoohwoo
There are no holes in his shoes
But a big hole in his world...
Hmmmm

Maybe I'll get famous as man who can't be moved,
And maybe you won't mean to but you'll see me on the news,
And you'll come running to the corner...
Cos you'll know it's just for you

I'm the man who can't be moved
I'm the man who can't be moved...

Cos if one day you wake up and find that you're missing me,
And your heart starts to wonder where on this earth I can be,
Thinking maybe you'd come back here to the place that we'd meet,
And you'd see me waiting for you on the corner of the street.
[Repeat in background]

So I'm not moving...
I'm not moving.
I'm not moving...
I'm not moving.

Going back to the corner where I first saw you,
Gonna camp in my sleeping bag not I'm not gonna move.

A Dream Within A Dream ?

2008-09-10T00:47:00.000-07:00

Take this kiss upon the brow!
And, in parting from you now,
Thus much let me avow
You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream;
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day,
In a vision, or in none,
Is it therefore the less gone?
All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream.

I stand amid the roar
Of a surf-tormented shore,
And I hold within my hand
Grains of the golden sand
How few! yet how they creep
Through my fingers to the deep,
While I weep - while I weep!

O God! can I not grasp
Them with a tighter clasp?
O God! can I not save
One from the pitiless wave?
Is all that we see or seem
But a dream within a dream?

Edgar Allen Poe
1809 - 1849

Tagged !

2008-09-08T01:30:00.000-07:00

This is the most exciting thing that had occurred to me in the last two weeks. I know I sound lame, but when you're quarantined in your room for 1 week cos of chicken pox, even raining is cool.

RULE #1 People who have been tagged must write their answers on their blogs and replace any question that they dislike with a new question formulated by themselves.

RULE #2 Tag 5 people to do this quiz and those who are tagged cannot refuse. These people must state who they were tagged by and cannot tag the person whom they were tagged by continue this game by sending it to other people.

Tagged by Harvind

1. If your lover betrayed you, what will your reaction be?
Try making the headlines of NST

2. If you can have a dream to come true, what would it be?
To be God.

3. Whose butt would you like to kick?
Jennifer Lopez. I wanna see if they are real.

4. What would you do with a billion dollars?
Cars Cars Cars.

5. Will you u fall in love with your best friend?
Can happen. I wont avoid for sure.

6. Which is more blessed, loving someone or being loved by someone?
Being loved. But I prefer for once, as more than a friend.

7. How long do you intend to wait for someone you really love?
*No comment*

8. If the person you secretly like is already attached, what would you do?
Making the headlines of The Star.

9. If you like to act with someone, who will it be?
Jessica Biel.

10. What takes you down the fastest?
I dont get this question.

11. How would you see yourself in ten years time?
On a pile of cashhhh.

D12. What's your fear?
Heights and snakes.

13. What kind of person do you think the person who tagged you is?
Damn laid back.

14. Would you rather be single and rich or married but poor?
Duh ? Single and rich of course !

15. What's the first thing you do when you wake up?
Look at the time. If too early, curse myself. If too late, curse myself again.

16. Would you give all in a relationship?
EVERYTHING.

17. If you fall in love with two people simultaneously, who would you pick?
Hmmmm....not sure bout this. But i'll probably pick number 2, cos it may be a great person to steal you away from number 1. haha.

18. Would you forgive and forget no matter how horrible a thing the someone has done?
Depends. Some cant be forgotten.

19.Do you prefer being single or having a relationship?
DEFINITELY the latter.

And I tag these people!!
1) Ash - cos i wanna know what the other Ash thinks !
2) Serena - your blog must be spiced up more !
3) Mama - your blog posts all full of frust and anger !
4) Isam - you need an update !
5) Bila - you must start blogging.

Have fun guys !

ps. Damn you harvind !!!!!!!!!!

Chicken Pox

2008-09-05T09:22:00.000-07:00

Sigh. Getting chicken pox was the worst thing that had happened to me since the discovery of a kidney stone in my right ( or was it left ? ) kidney in 2006. Then of course in 2003 I had dengue where I laid on my ass for 8 days in the hospital. I broke my hand in the same year too. And also fracturing my skull and elbow in primary school. And jaundice and German Measles when I was young. What else eh ? Argh. My antibodies are useless.

Anyways, I was 'quarantined' in my mom's room for a week where I had to eat a vegetarian's meal ! Can you believe that ??!!! No chicken, or meat balls, nuggets, sausages, frankfurters....my God ! However, the fever and ( extremely ) swollen tonsils I had had made me puke out almost everything I ate, making my mom's toilet my favourite place - then. To puke of course. Oh yeah, and I also didn't shower nor brush my teeth for a week too.

I was so weak you had no idea how much. I kept puking out everything I eat. Not to mention one night where I could only sleep for 30 minutes, and spent the whole night trying to find the perfect position to sleep as it was itching like mad all over my body ! ps., this is no laughing matter.

Then came the highlight of my day, the afternoon rain. Gosh, I just looked outside the window and saw the rain patter on the roof tiles. And I didnt watch any tv too for the week - nor use the internet. I was just lying down on my bed. And eating porridge. Puking it out. Eating it again, not the puke I mean.

Anyways, I started to recover by Sunday and the next day saw my quarantine over. The first thing I did was watch tv. A LOT of it. Then checked my mails...bla bla bla. The next day, I watched this really OLD movie. When I mean old, I mean like Titani old. It's called THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK. I had been downloading it for a week ( well my brother, not me, I just told him to do it for me ), and watched it. Cool movie.

Did I mention that I watched a lot of tv ? Oh yeah, ad I enjoyed my first shower in a week. And brushing my teeth. And watching tv again. And eating meat !

Although the scars still fill my body, I hope to recover by the 15th. Pray for me.

Sympathise me for the woe that has befallen me.

Better Man

2008-08-19T11:08:00.000-07:00

Send someone to love me
I need to rest in arms
Keep me safe from harm
In pouring rain
Give me endless summer
Lord I fear the cold
Feel Im getting old
Before my time
As my soul heals the shame
I will grow through this pain
Lord Im doing all I can
To be a better man
Go easy on my consciencecause its not my fault
I know Ive been taught
To take the blame
Rest assured my angels
Will catch my tears
Walk me out of here
Im in pain
As my soul heals the shame
I will grow through this pain
Lord Im doing all I can
To be a better man
Once youve found that lover
Youre homeward bound
Love is all around
Love is all around
I know some have fallen
On stony ground
But love is all around
Send someone to love me
I need to rest in arms
Keep me safe from harm
In pouring rain
Give me endless summer
Lord I fear the cold
Feel Im getting old
Before my time
As my soul heals the shame
I will grow through this pain
Lord Im doin all I can
To be a better man

ps. I've done what I can...

Pain and Suffering

2008-08-19T10:37:00.000-07:00

This blog goes out to my buddy, Harvind, and to the rest of the unlucky guys in the world. ps., we aint gay.

Sometimes, I hate going to the mall. No, its not the excessive walking, or how fast the dollars come out of my wallet, its just depressing. Everywhere I go, everywhere I turn, I see couples hanging out, holding hands, or generally, they're with someone, sometimes even with the same sex.

It sucks when you don't look like Orlando Bloom, or have the body of Micheal Phelps, nor the cash of Donald Trump. It sucks. Especially guys. You're expected to have the perfect body, those drop dead handsome looks, and the bottomless wallet. Only then can you get all the girls.

It sucks BIG TIME when you message that special someone like 10 seconds after you receive their message, and wait an hour for their reply. It sucks and hurts. They're off catching the big fish, those good looking, hot body blokes. Like my friend says, if you're going after a girl you fancy, but they're not bothering you, you did nothing around. You just don't look good.

I mean, do girls care if you're sweet, loving, caring, responsible and all those shit they say on movies ? Nope, they don't. Let me tell you, the world's a harsh place. People always cared about how you looked, the outside, not the inside. It sucks when you spend all your time and effort, and emotions, to impress someone who isn't interested in you just because you don't look good. I mean, is it OUR FAULT we look bad ? Don't have the perfect body ? Did we ask for it ? No, we didn't.

The least some people could do is to show some compassion. But I guess, that's too much too ask. All the while, girls say they look for the characteristics of a man when they go for a guy. BULLSHIT ! BULLCRAP ! RUBBISH !

I guess that only happens in Hollywood, the only place where the directors can make people like me think I actually have a chance. Pfft.

Depressed.

Some Random Stuff

2008-08-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

This is what my birthday means :-

7 September 1989

Your date of conception was on or about 15 December 1988 which was a Thursday.
You were born on a Thursday under the astrological sign Virgo.
Your Life path number is 7.
Your fortune cookie reads: Our first and last love...is self love.
Life Path Compatibility:You are most compatible with those with the Life Path numbers 1, 5 & 7.
You should get along well with those with the Life Path numbers 4 & 22.
You may or may not get along well with those with the Life Path number 9.
You are least compatible with those with the Life Path numbers 2, 3, 6, 8 & 11.
The Julian calendar date of your birth is 2447776.5.
The golden number for 1989 is 14.
The epact number for 1989 is 22.
The year 1989 was not a leap year.
Your birthday falls into the Chinese year beginning 2/6/1989 and ending 1/26/1990.
You were born in the Chinese year of the Snake.
Your Native American Zodiac sign is Bear; your plant is Violets.
You were born in the Egyptian month of Hathys, the third month of the season of Poret (Emergence - Fertile soil).
Your date of birth on the Hebrew calendar is 7 Elul 5749.Or if you were born after sundown then the date is 8 Elul 5749.
The Mayan Calendar long count date of your birthday is 12.18.16.6.12 which is12 baktun 18 katun 16 tun 6 uinal 12 kin
The Hijra (Islamic Calendar) date of your birth is Thursday, 5 Safar 1410 (1410-2-5).
The date of Easter on your birth year was Sunday, 26 March 1989.
The date of Orthodox Easter on your birth year was Sunday, 30 April 1989.
The date of Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent) on your birth year was Wednesday 8 February 1989.
The date of Whitsun (Pentecost Sunday) in the year of your birth was Sunday 14 May 1989.
The date of Whisuntide in the year of your birth was Sunday 21 May 1989.
The date of Rosh Hashanah in the year of your birth was Saturday, 30 September 1989.
The date of Passover in the year of your birth was Thursday, 20 April 1989.
The date of Mardi Gras on your birth year was Tuesday 7 February 1989.
As of 8/11/2008 12:55:02 PM EDT You are 18 years old.
You are 227 months old.
You are 988 weeks old.
You are 6,913 days old.
You are 165,924 hours old.
You are 9,955,495 minutes old.
You are 597,329,702 seconds old.

Celebrities who share your birthday:
Devon Sawa (1978)
Corbin Bernsen (1954)
Julie Kavner (1951)
Gloria Gaynor (1949)
Richard Roundtree (1942)
Buddy Holly (1936)
Elia Kazan (1909)
Grandma Moses (1860)
Elizabeth I, Queen of England (1533)

Top songs of 1989
Another Day In Paradise by Phil Collins
Miss You Much by Janet Jackson
Straight Up by Paula Abdul
Right Here Waiting by Richard Marx
Lost In Your Eyes by Debbie Gibson
Like a Prayer by Madonna
We Didn't Start the Fire by Billy Joel
Two Hearts by Phil Collins
When I See You Smile by Bad English
Blame It On the Rain by Milli Vanilli

Your age is the equivalent of a dog that is 2.70567514677104 years old. (Life's just a big chewy bone for you!)
Your lucky day is Wednesday.
Your lucky number is 5.
Your ruling planet(s) is Mercury.
Your lucky dates are 5th, 14th, 23rd.
Your opposition sign is Pisces.
Your opposition number(s) is 3.
Today is not one of your lucky days!
Your birthstone is Sapphire -->The Mystical properties of Sapphire
Though not meant to replace traditional medical treatment, Sapphire is used for clear thinking. Some lists consider these stones to be your birthstone. (Birthstone lists come from Jewelers, Tibet, Ayurvedic Indian medicine, and other sources)
Agate, Moonstone, Lapis Lazuli

Your birth tree is Weeping Willow, the Melancholy
Beautiful but full of melancholy, attractive, very empathic, loves anything beautiful and tasteful, loves to travel, dreamer, restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but is not easy to live with, demanding, good intuition, suffers in love but finds sometimes an anchoring partner.

My name :-

There are 9 letters in your name.Those 9 letters total to 46There are 3 vowels and 6 consonants in your name.
Your number is: 1
The characteristics of #1 are: Initiating action, pioneering, leading, independent, attaining, individual.
The expression or destiny for #1:A number 1 Expression denotes the skilled executive with keen administrative capabilities. You must develop the capacity to be a fine leader, sales executive, or promoter. You have the tools to become an original person with a creative approach to problem solving, and a penchant for initiating action. Someone may have to follow behind you to handle the details, but you know how to get things going and make things happen. You have a good mind and the ability to use it for your advancement. Because of these factors, you have much potential for achievement and financial rewards. Frequently, this expression belongs to one running a business or striving to achieve a level of accomplishment on ones talents and efforts. You have little need for much supervision, preferring to act on your own with little restraint. You are both ambitious and determined. Self-confident and self-reliant must be yours, as you develop a strong unyielding will and the courage of your convictions.
Although you fear loneliness, you want to be left alone. You fear routine and being in a rut. You often jump the gun because you are afraid of being left behind.
The negative attributes of the 1 Expression are egotism and a self-centered approach to life. This is an aggressive number and if it is over-emphasized it is very hard to live with. You do not have to be overly aggressive to fulfill your destiny. The 1 has a natural instinct to dominate and to be the boss; adhering to the concept of being number One. Again, you do not have to dominate and destroy in order to lead and manage.
Your Soul Urge number is: 6
A Soul Urge number of 6 means: With a number 6 Soul Urge, you would like to be appreciated for your ability to handle responsibility. Your home and family are likely to be a strong focus for you, perhaps the strongest focus of your life. Friendship, love, and affection are high on your list of priorities for a happy life. You have a lot of diplomatic tendencies in your makeup, as you a able to rectify and balance situations with an innate skill. You like working with people rather than by yourself. It is extremely important for you to have harmony in your environment at all times.
The positive side of the 6 Soul Urge produces a huge capacity for responsibility; you are always there and ready to assume more than your share of the load. If you possess positive 6 Soul Urges and express them, you are known for your generosity, understanding and deep sympathetic attitude. Strong 6 energy is very giving of love, affection, and emotional support. You may have the inclination to teach or serve your community in other idealistic ways. You have natural abilities to help people. You are also likely to have artistic and creative leanings.
If you have an over-supply of 6 energy in your makeup, you may express some of the negative traits common to this number. With such a strong sympathetic attitude, it is easy to become too emotional. Sometimes the desires to render help can be over done, and it can become interfering and an attitude that is too protective, rather than helpful. The person with too much 6 energy often finds that people tend to take advantage of this very giving spirit. You may tend to repress your own needs so that you can cater to the demands from others. At times, there may be a tendency in this, for becoming over-loaded with such demands, and as a result become resentful.
Your Inner Dream number is: 4
An Inner Dream number of 4 means: You dream of being a very solid citizen that people can depend upon. You strive for organization and predictable order. You want to be recognized as a person with a plan and the discipline to make that plan work like clockwork.

Well, to those of you who really know me, here's a chance to test your knowldge. Go on !

Why Worry ? A Plagiarized Poem

2008-08-05T09:30:00.000-07:00

The country is at war; you hear the drone of an approaching aircraft.

Are you worried ?

It's a matter of two things : It may be an enemy aircraft or it may not be.

If it's not, why worry ?

If it is, it's again a matter of two things, it may drop a bomb, or it may not.

If it does not, why worry ?

If it does, it's again a matter of two things. It may hit you, or it may not.

If it doesn't, why worry ?

If it does, it's again a matter of two things, it may kill you or it may not.

If it doesn't, why worry ?

Even if it does, well....you are beyond worrying.

Plagiarized ( with apologies ) from the Maxwellian of 1968.

Choosing sides ?

2008-08-02T10:01:00.000-07:00

When you're in a middle of a conflict, what do you do ? Sit down and observe, criticise, remain neutral, or choose sides ?

Most will take the first or second path, and offer criticism, as well as gossip about the problem of others. A minority will remain neutral, awareof how hard it may be. An even smaller minority ( myself included ), will choose the fouth path, and choose sides.

Why do I choose sides ? I believe in the concept that 'if you're not with us, you're against us". I rather pick and choose sides than to remain neutral and watch how the problem reaches it's climax, though the solution is so simple. However, choose to interfere in problems that you know you are capable of solving, or at least offering your expert opinion. DON'T interfere in problems that are beyond your capabilities. NEVER.

I'm sorry, but this is the best I can do tonight. I'm feeling feverish now.

Cheers.

ps. This blog does not, in any way, depict my political views on world affairs.

What Makes A Man A Man

2008-07-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

Im sorry to my female readers. The title of this blog does not exclusively refer to men only, but to all of you as well. I'm no sexist, and certainly not gay.

I've once heard that certain actions makes you a man in today's world. I won't mention them in this blog, but I would like to hint that it is obvious, and quite the common. However, I would like to stress that this belief is inaccurate, inconcise, and tottaly a bucnh of bull-crap.

What makes a man a man ? It's the decision that he makes. What makes us human, is the decision that we make and the actions that we take. It is thew accountability of those actions that force us to give some kind of thought to our decisions, and possibly face the repurcussions, either good or bad. It is those decisions that people judge us on, let's face it, everyone likes to compare. And today is not about what you have, it's about what others think you have.

Winson Churchill was a great man. But was he a great Prime Minister ? Did he introduce any policies that developed Britain. Neither. He is a great man because of the decisions that he made as a leader during the Second World War. How he inspired, lead and guided millions of people to victory, snatched from the jaws of defeat. He gave hope to them. And that is why people remember him. Not because he was Mr. World, or the world record holder in 100 yards, but because of the decisions he made.

I know most people would laugh at this, but at some point of your life, I might say I told you so.

Give it a thought.

Toodles.

The Real Failure

2008-07-14T09:49:00.000-07:00

Wait a minute, I haven't blogged for 3 months and now 2 posts in the space of a week ? Something is very wrong here. Nonetheless, I have found the joy that I once experienced when I blogged, so mind the dates eh ?

First of all, let me continue where I left off, describing the people I met at camp :

Azli - We were in the same group together, and I must say, hats off to this guy. He has AMAZING ball control when playing futsal. SIMPLY BRILLIANT. Just like watching ronaldinho. How does he do it ? Very helpful when it came to the sinking the boat game.

Amir. I will always vividly recall the facial expression he made during the play we made. He was the 'Ah Long's' right hand man and was about the rape the daugher. The expression he made was like saying " I'm experienced in this. I've done this a thousand times". Seriously ! Haha.

Iman. We didn't speak much during the camp eventhough we lived in the same unit. But we are keeping in touch a lot since the camp ended.

Liyana. Hahaha. I will always recall her about the joke Ali made. Sorry liyana !

Mira. This girl will never leave my memory. She proposed to me in camp ! Imagine that ! Haha. It was a game, and she came up to me and said..."Ash do you love me ?" To which I duly obliged "yes". Nuff said.

Azim. Didn't speak much in camp although I very much appreciated his sympathy on our allowance case. Thanks man.

Luqman. Didn't speak much. But we did celebrate his birthday on camp, although a belated one.

Lutfi. Expert barbeque cook and a very good chicken dancer. Those steps were unique.

Fatin. The other Fatin from KYUEM. Didn't speak much again.

Fira. From KYUEM. Didn't converse much too. Although I took a lot of pictures for her on the last day so that should count as some sort of conversation.

Dibby. A very sweet and nice person all the way from Jakarta.

Fazren. From Taylors' He wasn't so much lucky in the shouting game ( Blame Faizi ! ). Was in the same group though.

And lastly, not forgetting my friends from Nottingham ( Semenyih, not UK ) - Adila, Asrul, Radzi, Faizi, Iqbal, Leman, Mama, Isma, Ainaa and Fatin. I felt I've got to know all of you better now and am looking forward to September.

Okay, now for the serious stuff. Success. What is success people ? Is success definitive or is it subjective ? Is it based on perceptions by a third party or is it up to you ?I'm agreeing with the latter in both parts. I strongly believe that success is subjective to one's own opinion and perception. You don't have to give a rat's ass about what anyone thinks.

People are people. As long you're useful, you're great. The minute your life comes under the microscope of the public, and they find one specks of dust in it, goodbye my friend. They are just individuals who selfishly look to use another individual for private gains only, and when that individual cannot satisfy that greed, the scrutinise and criticise you like kingdom come.

The great Gandhi once said, there is enough in the world to satisfy one's need, but not to satisfy one's greed. I agree with his statement. Although I am not saying I am perfect, for I have my own flaws too ( which will not be discussed ), I believe that there is no right or wrong to what one believes as success. If you think that success is passing every subject, hoorah to you. If it's scoring a goal, fair play to you. That's success.

But when you talk about success, one must also talk about failure on the extreme. Is failure not getting good grades ? No. Failure simply means the time where you stop trying to achieve success, and not in succumbing to obstacles in your pursuit of success. In other words, the only time you fail is when you stop trying. It is absolutely imperative to know that failure is the first ( and probably the most crucial ) step to success. Without failure, you can never know your flaws. Without it, you might even think you're perfect.

We are all too familiar with the term " If at first you don't succeed, then try try try try try try try and try again". But how many of us have actually experienced it ? If yes, was it consciously or sub-consciously ? These are some of the questions one must address.

Anyhow, I must stop blabbering and confusing you. I've been told I'm quite a bush beater. So, as a final word, success is your definiton and failure is the most important step to success. And NEVER GIVE UP. NO MATTER WHAT.

Cheerio.

A Toast To A New Life...and A New Beginning.

2008-07-11T07:14:00.000-07:00

They say that every beginning has an end. And every end has a beginning. I can conservatively vouch this statement. Too long have I tried to alter my old ways of life. Too long have I procrastinated and made up lame excuses to cover for my own mistakes.

It is said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. But what constitutes that step ? A step in the right or wrong direction ? How would you know for sure ? That's why, we don't. Perhaps at then end will then only we know, but that just might be too late if you took the wrong step.

It is then necessary to seek guidance from experienced individuals - or take it on a leap of faith. Former or the latter, you decide. It is said that faith is the single most strongest force in the universe, but the "love" supporters may duly object.

Anyways, I think I just may have ended my old ways of life. I did much planning, not too much the equivalent of the doing part. I did not balance my studying and the "not-studying" part of my life, that's something I would want to change. Or better rephrased, to strike a proper balance. That said, I guess I better stop planning.

Soaring The Eagle 2008 was a BLAST ! I had so much fun I can't possibly describe it in this blog. But I can describe some of the people I met.

First, I got a shocker when I found out that there was another person by the same name as I - thing was, it's a girl ! Haha. Hi Asvin. Although she breached the trademark of using my name, I have decided not to take any legal action against her. Haha. Kidding. She's a bubbly person, doing logistics. Fun person, a bad player at cards though. No offense eh?

Second, Serena. Although she says she is short, I am truly amazed by her character. An outstanding person despite her height, she's no less bubbly as the other ash. Best friends oth of them, she's the better card player by a mile, and by far, has the poker face. Next Bond girl ? Just maybe. After all, she is an Ipoh mali girl.

Third, Toh. Spell it backwards, it says hot. Tohot. Haha. Quite thick eyelashes for a chinese, a mix somewhere along the family line ? Toh says otherwise. Going to the States I think, a nice person to be friends with. Toh, you should play more futsal though. Haha. It is a good game once you get the hang of it.

Fourth, Ali. AKA Ali Cute/Babe. Small guy, but runs quite fast despite being a smoker. The equivalent of Iqbal at KYUEM maybe. This is guy is such a good screamer, I swear you'd all think it's a woman when he screams. Haha. Also known as the hot wife. Couldn't stop laughing on the bbq night. Haha. That joke was sick man !

Fifth, zul aka pokchek. I have no idea why he's called pokchek. But the only person who noticed I always "pau" other people's sweater. Haha. I promised him I'll get my own soon. Hopefully they raise our allowance soon man.

Sixth, Hari. Now here's a man who knows his stuff very well. I would say that Hari has all the characteristics of being the next great thinker. A good futsal player too. And an intelligent card player. A gentlemen nonetheless who likes to listen to Queen and the rolling stones. However, a scouser. Haha.

Jojo. A great artist whom might just be the next female Da Vinci/Picasso. And I'm DEAD serious when I say that. Very fun and lively person. Loves to takes pictures.

Batyr and Nazar. The two Turkmen, but we like to think of them as former KGB agents. When you see them, and what they can do, you'll think the same too.

Letha. This person is so funny and just cant stop laughing at any joke anyone makes. Especially at Faizi's and Iqbal's.

And the rest ! Azli, Amir, Iman, Liyana, Mira, Azim, Luqman, Lutfi, Fatin, Fira, Adila, Asrul, Radzi, Faizi, Iqbal, Leman, Mama, Isma, Ainaa, Fatin notts, Dibby, Fazren.

Thanks for making the camp a memorable one. I shall truly enjoy and cherish the memories at the camp. And fondly as well as vividly recall how this camp spelt the end of my beginning, but the beginning of a new life.

Cheers to all of you.

It's quality, not quantity that matters

2008-04-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have not been blogging a lot. Been busy of sorts. Anyways, I can justify this with my blog title this time.

Yes. Quality. Many people underestimate quality. They underestimate it's true and potential power. Why so ? Well, for starters, it requires a lot of thinking, not to mention hard work and reflection. And unfortunately so, this scares people away. But, if you devote your time and effort, as well as your mental strength, and channel it towards discovering what quality means, it may just do wonders for you.

Quality is subjective however, and only you can define and figure out what quality truly means.That's what I discovered. Quality to me, means my ability to fully comprehend and imagine things....and where I see everything 'click'. And i truly did discover. I was, you might say, in the zone. That's quality. Everything clicked. That's why last semester, I wasn't as stressed as I was in the two previous semesters. That's because I had quality in me. I didn't have to concentrate in class or even attend to understand the lesson, I just could understand on my own.

Well, I'm not bragging. That's the truth. And if you can't handle the truth....well sit, I really pity you. What happens eh when you have quality ? Well, you have confidence. And boy oh boy, when you have confidence, everything that you do will be right. Of course, occasionally you'll encounter some problems to keep you in check, but nonetheless, you'll be on your stride again after some thoughtful reflection.

At the end of the day, quality is what differentiates you from the rest. It's what that leaves the rest trailing you. It's what separates the best from the good.

" It's not how much of the ball you have, it's what you do with it that matters. "

Attention !

2008-03-28T23:07:00.000-07:00

To all my faithful readers ( no matter how small in number you are ),

Effective 29th March 2008, all political blogs will be shifted to hearsaymalaysia.blogspot.com. Only personal experiences will be blogged from now on here.

Thank you !!!

Perceptions

2008-02-19T00:45:00.000-08:00

A lot of people don't really know the real me. I can only say that maybe 2 or 3 people, the most, know me. Then again, I doubt my assumptions.

Im not smart. To me, smart means that you're naturally inclined / born with the ability to answer seemingly impossible questions without really knowing what's it about in the first place. Smart in the sense that you don't even have to put in hours to score 100 in your next class test. That is what smart means to me, to me at least. You may have your own views.

According to my opinion about smart, I am, therefore not smart. I am however, hardworking. I learn life's valuable lessons the hard way. I am not good in math - so I seek the help of others, as well as practising it over and over and over again. I don't know much about the world's ongoings, so I make an effort to read up. A lot. People think I'm weird when I do that. But thats fine with me. I learn. And I will keep on learning. During that process, I try to help others as much as I can. Sometimes, I even help them more that I help myself. I teach them for hours on the eve of any exams, and hardly have enough time for me to study. But yet, I even fail some of those exams. But I don't complain, seeing others - those I teach, help, guide, scoring good results is enough for me. I did get an A. And I will, never mind the results, will continue to teach them. No matter at what time of the day.

Recently, my friends and I were called up by the Dean to be interviewed regarding some discrepencies in our coursework. Okay, some group copied my coursework word for word. Yes, it was their mistake. But I don't hate them for it. In fact, we helped them here and there. And eventhough they have caused me this problem, I will continue to help them. Because I want to. Because if they ask me to, I won't hesitate.

I worked myself up from scratch. Yes, certain political laws handicap me in a certain way, but I'm not complaining. People pity me, but in truth, they should pity those who choose to be handicapped. I didn't. I'm not. One's biggest failure is not being pushed down, but staying down after they have been pushed. I really feel pity for those people. I do.

Yes some people get most things the easy way. Life's like that. It's not fair. STOP COMPLAINING. Do something about it. I choose to befriend people more than just friends, but the feeling is not mutual. What can I do ? I'm not God....to them, I am just a friend. So, move on people.

I promised myself I would start studying today. I leave you pondering on this thought.

The 10 Year Cycle - It's Over People !

2008-01-30T01:36:00.000-08:00

They say the economy works in 10 year cycles. And that at the end of each cycle - the world will head for a recession. The last that happened was in 1997 - the Asian Financial Crisis. So, mathematically speaking, the 10 years are over. A recession is around the corner. It already begun.

People say that when the Dow Jones sneezes, the rest of the world catches a cold. True indeed. It is no doubt that when the American markets go into a crisis, it's only a matter of when ( not if ) the other world markets will follow it ; no matter how much you distance your country from the USA. But why the USA ?

Simple. You may refer to one of my previous blogs - In America We Trust. In short, the USA does not have to do anything to rescue themselves, other countries will save them. And when I mean other countries, I mean Japan and the Arabian nations - the two biggest investors in the world's largest economy.

How can those two regions let the US markets plummet when they have billion of dollars worth of investments in the States - to let the Greenback drop is like watching the value of their investments drop, drop, drop.......boom ! They just lost billions more ! I cannot see that happening.

The 10 years cycle is over. The reset button is pushed again.

2007 : A year in review

2007-12-30T02:31:00.000-08:00

Since everyone is having some sort of year end review, I thought I should do one too.

Well, nothing much happened in the first 6.5 months of the year. After waiting for my results to come out, I applied for some places and scholarships. During the first few months , I worked ( and suffered....gosh, how much I hated that job ! ). When results came out, I was too busy deciding what to do and where. Other than that, I got my drivers license and was sleeping up to 10 hours a day.

Oh yeah, and we won our 9th Premiership title too.

The second half of the year saw me enrolling in Nottingham University. And boy, was business tough ! I swear, the next time I hear a guy telling me that business is a piece of cake, I'll punch him right between the eyes. No joke.

I made new friends, and got a new perspective of life. Socially, I became more open. Other than that, everything is " normal " by my terms.

Thats my year in review.

Semester 2

2007-12-13T03:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Nottingham-mers,

This semester saw me slacking off to an all time low. I was concentrating in class during the first few weeks ; taking notes, posing questions, revising each lecture. Then, it all fell apart like Columbia.

Why ?

First, poor eyesight. Yes, to the delight of my sister, I need glasses. My poor vision has hampered my ability to see explanations and calculations on the board. I'll be listening for the first half an hour or so, then, ah well, you know. I'll probably consider getting a pair during the break.

Two, cockiness. My stupendous achievement in the previous semester has rendered me with a strong sense of superiority. The same sense, in which I can modestly put in words, was similar to the same air that Hitler had instilled in his Gestapo and faithful Nazi sympathisers. So, similarly, I thought that I could not be beaten.

I wasn't forced to eat humble pie, it was shoved down my throat.

I was soundly beaten. The thing I feared the most comes back to haunt me again. The same as when Sir Alex feared one man when United took on Milan in last season's champions league semi - final. Kaka. May 2 2007. A performance where I will never forget. Neither will Sir Alex.

Accounts. A measly 13.5 over 20 wasnt' exactly encouraging. I memorised every bloody formula that needed to be memorised.....and yet I failed. I failed. I failed to perform when I needed to. Why does it always have to be like this ? When will I finally perform consistently ?

Three, priorities. I shall not elaborate more. Those who know are those who already know.

What have I learned ?

Not much. Probably with the fact that I have learnt to understand the complexities of business and economics much better now. And that my assignments were well managed and done. And that my leadership skills has greatly improved. And that competition is a little stiffer than before. Haha. ( with humble apologies )

What will I expect to do now ?

Relax. Take a short break. Look into my strategy for the exam. Like a phoenix from the ashes, I will arise. I shall not give up. I shall get over it. I shall gladly eat, chew and swallow the pie. I shall fight every week, every day, every hour, every second. If ever, God forbid, there's something that I can count on myself everytime, anytime, it's that determination of mine. The engine thats better than Ferari's or McClaren's. My engine to drive me on. My hunger is still there. The onus have been set in front of me. I shall not disappoint. I shall not give up. Never, never, never, never. And even if I do, which I do not for a moment believe, I shall accept defeat, and fight on again. I will soldier on !

Who would I like to thank,

First of all, my fellow Nottingham-mers, who often, after looking at me, offer assistance. And for putting great trust in me to coach and manage the football team.

Second, my mate Mike, whom I would not have sent everyone in my english class to space. Get it Mike ?

Third, to my mates Ken and Ajay. I still remember the advice. No worries.

Fourth, to my new Nottingha-mers, let me mention a few names :-

Rugan, Dinesh, Harvind, Prisham, Preeti, Dinesh, Derek, Jane, Jonathan, Agha, Muz, Keng Mun, Grame, Rachael, Li Ching, Ying Yok, Sara, Rizwan, Imran, Han, and to those whose names I don't know, can't remember, or just forgot. Humble apologies.

Thank you. Thank you all. I really am.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

ps. I'm sooooo going to miss LAN !!

Rule no. 1 of life : It's not fair

2007-12-06T06:58:00.000-08:00

FORGIVE ME is you directly / indirectly feel hurt when reading this blog. I am currently in a pissed off state of emotions. Why, I will not reveal. How, you will read.

People, I am just human. I can't get 100 % for each test all the time. I'm not good in everything. I suck in accounts. That was a low point this semester. I felt like crap. I felt like torching my accounts notes and text books. I just can't go on like this anymore. Not with THAT distraction. My university friends will know it.

Why is God unfair to me ? He just never lets me get stuff easily in life. It's always hard. I always work my ass off 120 % each time to do something, eventhough it doesn't give me the desired outcome. I think thats' His way of saying, " Haha Ash".

True I suck at accounts. I didn't get 90. ust 67.5. 67.5. And now that person is doing this to me. Can't you see ? It's so obvious. Like crystal. Why does God just hand it to me ?

Ah life. It's always not fair. Especially to me.

50 years on

2007-11-27T03:07:00.000-08:00

Well, to my frequent readers, apologies people. I have been so engrossed with my assignments and tests that I have had no time at all to update my only means of communicating my thoughts to you.

First of all, let me say how proud I am to call myself Malaysian....but not in that sense though. I am proud to say, that since the death of democracy in this nation on the 13th of May 1969, that finally Malaysians have stood up to oppress the ruling class, the National Line ( Barisan Nasional ). After all these years of oppression and corruption ( hey, that rhymes ! ), I must salute the 100,000 people or so who marched down the streets of Kl, against the weather and the brutal police, to make their point - somebody / something has to go. And I must extend my deepest appreciation to His Royal Highness the Paramount Ruler of Malaysia for willingly accepting the memorandum. Something must change. As my uncle puts it, " when power corrupts....then rots". This government has been in power for too long.....oppressing for too long. The people who are running the show have been there for too long as well. We need a change. Desperately. When the basic rights of democracy are being denied, you know that it is time.

My heartiest congratulations to the Indian community in Malaysia as well. That makes it two mass riots in Kl in three weeks. I am very impressed. And this coming from the same rakyat of Malaysia who, at most times, talk more than they can act. Kudos. Bravo. To the Indian community, which I believe are the worst treated here, good job. You actually ( for once ) united. It is not about the lawsuit, it is about the treatment you are getting compared to what you are supposed to get. Like my good friend Ken says, " It is about time that the common man stood up, and give the status quo the finger".

Let me, in my own words, say,

It's about time too.

A Very Big Thank You.

2007-10-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

Well, this may be the first time that I talk about a sport besides football ( yes people, I DO watch other sports ). Last weekend, 19th October to 21st October, was what I described as a great sporting weekend. Why ? This weekend had witnessed the 3rd / 4th placing of the rugby world cup final, the rugby world cup final, premier league, F1 qualifying as well as the penultimate race of the F1 season.

Well, I missed the 3rd / 4th placing of the RWC as I had Moral Studies class on Saturday, however, the class was wastefully only 2 hours long. After returing from an Hari Raya open house, I headed home. I found that the Pumas ( Argentina ) beat France again to clinch third place. That was good news to me. Then, Liverpool, by three dubious decisions by the referee, beat Everton 2 -1. That was bad. Arsenal and Chelsea won too although they played tough games. That was very bad. Then came Man United's game. We were down after 9 minutes. But, just half an hour later, we equalised, and as they say, the rest was beautiful football. That was superb.

Then came the qualifying part of the final F1 race of the season in Interlagos, Brazil. As an ardent Hamilton fan as well as a loyal McClaren fan, I was rooting for my man. Unfortunately, Massa qualified first, Hamilton second, Raikonen third, and Alonso fourth. For those who don't know the scenario, let me enlighten you.

Coming to the last race of the season, the rookie McClaren Mercedes driver, was leading the championship at 107 points, his team mate Alonso ( and double world champion ) at 103, and Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonnen at 100 points. So, my man Hamilton just had to finish in front of both of them to win. Unfortunately so, it didn't happen. Long story short, Raikkonnen drove well and won the race and championship, whil Alonso finished third. However, let me say a few things about the young rookie Hamilton. He skidded out on the first corner to rejoin at seventh, then the unthinkable happened. His gearbox became problematic. He dropped to eighteenth. Eighteenth, Raikkonnen and Alonso in front of you by a very big gap, things became terrible.

But, that guy didnt give up. From 18th, he raced the race of his life. By the 60th lap or so, he went up to seventh. 11 places up despite having gone to more pit stops than the other cars. Unfortunately, time wasn't enough and he lost the title to Kini by one point.

Earlier that night, South Africa beat England to win the world cup again.

I think Hamilton was the best driver of the year. Thank you to South Africa and Hamilton for making the weekend a great one.

Oh yeah, by the way, the electricity just went out here.

In The USA, We Trust

2007-10-16T00:44:00.000-07:00

Who knew that one explorer by the name of Christopher Columbus would, 400 years ago, make one wrong turn and end up on a land completely new and undiscovered by anyone before. The New World it was called. Mr. Columbus, hoping to discover India, instead found America ( as it is known today ). Great explorer ? I don't think so. I prefer to think of him as the history's worst explorer, not to mention navigator. I can go as far as to say that he was Spanish, and considering how the Hispanics in the States are treated these days, it would seem "ungrateful" to Columbus, in my opinion. Why, they even have a holiday and a university named after the silly chap !

But this blog isn't about him. It's about a nation of which every other nation in the world has ultimate confidence in. The United States Of America. Why you may ask. Let me enlighten you. If you think the States is the richest country in the world, think again. It has an annual trade shortage amounting to billions of dollars every year. In other words, it imports more than it exports. This could be probably be due to the one thing that USA wishes it could have in abundance : black gold.Despite pumping out massive amounts of oil from Alaska as well as importing raw, unprocessed oil from Saudi Arabia, it is still not enough ( don't make me get started on Saudi ). So, how does USA pay it's debt as well as finding all the money needed to finance it's war in Iraq ? Easy. Investment. The US invests very little in other nations, but how much nations invest in the USA is enormous. Gigantic amounts of money coming in to the states. But why would Mr. Manmohan Singh of India invest so much in a nation that is, literally, broke.

It is because they have the ultimate confidence that the States will continue to exist for milleniums to come. Until the world, civilization and mankind ends, basiclaly speaking. They act on the "faith" that USA will be there forever, squished between the Atlantic and the Pacific. They also act on the fact that 6 out of the world's top 10 companies in the world are American ones. So, they pump a lot of money into those companies ( that's were the States gets it's cash ) and they get even more money out of it ( a very good RI ). So, in other words, all those "Asian Godfathers" that run the GIC don't even have the slightest amount of confidence or belief that their local companies and markets can bring a very good RI.....and when ever there's money available.....whether it's from helping the Junta in Myanmar, failure to pay taxes in a foreign country even though you dig their oil or even dirty money, they'll always know where to spend it. And it isn't China mind you.

God Bless America.

A tribute to.......my man of the century : Sir Winston Churchill

2007-09-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

It may sound weird to you why I would want to pay tribute to the a man who died many years ago.......well, to some it may. But to most, he is THE MAN who single handedly guided our former colonial power through the war and to Victory. Here is some of his famous speeches ( trust me , you'll love it ) :-

I would say to the House, as I said to those who have joined this government: "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat."

I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our Island home, to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone. At any rate, that is what we are going to try to do. That is the resolve of His Majesty's Government-every man of them. That is the will of Parliament and the nation. The British Empire and the French Republic, linked together in their cause and in their need, will defend to the death their native soil, aiding each other like good comrades to the utmost of their strength. Even though large tracts of Europe and many old and famous States have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of Nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.

What General Weygand called the Battle of France is over. I expect that the Battle of Britain is about to begin. Upon this battle depends the survival of Christian civilization. Upon it depends our own British life, and the long continuity of our institutions and our Empire. The whole fury and might of the enemy must very soon be turned on us. Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this Island or lose the war. If we can stand up to him, all Europe may be free and the life of the world may move forward into broad, sunlit uplands. But if we fail, then the whole world, including the United States, including all that we have known and cared for, will sink into the abyss of a new Dark Age made more sinister, and perhaps more protracted, by the lights of perverted science. Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, "This was their finest hour."

I am addressing myself to the School - surely from this period of ten months this is the lesson: never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never-in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy. We stood all alone a year ago, and to many countries it seemed that our account was closed, we were finished. All this tradition of ours, our songs, our School history, this part of the history of this country, were gone and finished and liquidated.

See what I mean ?

Remembering : Semester 0

2007-09-24T22:10:00.000-07:00

How fast time flies ! It seems just like yesterday ( actually, it was July 12th ) when I checked in to my room in Nottingham, wondering how BORING campus life would be. No tv, internet, proper shopping malls nearby. I thought, well, that's the end of my life.

Unfortunately, things were SO the other way around. 2.5 months on, I actually miss campus more than my home ! I guess everything is just so much better when you have great people around you.

Here are some of my thoughts on semester 0 :-

Best memory : Night out in KL watching rush hour 3

Worst memory : screwing up in maths, economics and then finding out that Moral studies was on saturdays next semester

Proudest moment : Asking a question my lecturer couldn't answer

Un-proudest moment : Making an ass of myself trying to explain psychology during class

Most fun moment : Outing in kl after rush hour 3

Most boring moment : Doing my IT assignment when everyone else was out bowling

Best meal : Malaysian fried rice

Worst meal : cantonese fried rice

Best pool moment : ALMOST beating hassan

Worst pool moment : when i couldn't play ?

Best past time : sleeping !

worst past time : studying

Best sport played : badminton and squash

Worst sport played : futsal ?

Most fun class : Malaysian Studies !!

Most boring class : Social Science and Maths

I'm SO looking forward to the next semester.

Comments of the Day

2007-09-15T23:41:00.001-07:00

When all good things come to an end.........or is it ?

2007-09-06T07:47:00.000-07:00

At this point of time, it'll be officially 2 hours and 25 minutes left to my 18th ( and legal ) birthday. Well, you might wonder why the hell is anyone's 18th birthday matter ? I've asked myself the same question too. To me, it symbolizes the step i made out of school to the university. 18 years old means new challenges, new objectives, ( probably new enemies ) and most important of all.....new friends. It's been 8 weeks here in Nottingham. I've couldn't have asked for a better 8 weeks. I've couldn't have asked for a better and such a diverse group of people i call my friends.

It's been tough here so far, but thankfully, with some team work, i overcame the such difficulty. The following is a tribute to all of them. So here goes....,

To my room mate Fariz, try not to snore so loudly !
To my house mate Faizi, try and wake up early next time ! ( betul ke kau belajar kat RMC ? )
To my course mate Sulaiman, try not to get injured when playing rugby !
To my course mate Umamah, try to stay awake in class next time !
To my course mate Una, try not to oversleep !
To my uni mate Debra, Malaysian studies is easy !
To my uni mate Fawas, try to get tall ! ( and thanks a MILLION for the transportation )
To my uni mate Nevin, I'll try to get more Banghra songs !
To my uni mate Isam, Arsenal still won't win the league !
To my uni mate Joe, make me get drunk !
To my uni mate Firdaus ( I really can't spell your name ), thanks for the transportation !
To my uni mate Ashwin ( Menon ), cut down on DOTA !
To my uni mate Dharma, cut down on internet games !
To my uni mate Sarvin, let's keep on kutuking the.......!
To my uni mate Roland, you should join me and Sarvin !
To my uni mate Vishal, thanks for handling the presentation !
To my uni mate Joseph, thanks for Malaysian Studies !
To all those whom I've not mentioned here, you've too helped me !

I guess the phrase all good things come to and end depends on us.

2 hours and 9 minutes to go.

Stay lucky.

Catching Up

2007-08-25T00:21:00.000-07:00

It was about time already ! I finally met up with Ken ( who has just returned from his six month stint in the States ), Chai, Moi and Weng Hong in Mid Valley for a necessary catching up.

So, yes, I was late. I had errands to run thanks to my magnificent data processing device we call a computer. Then, as if it wasn't bad enough, I had to buy the train ticket to Mid Valley twice ; thanks to the absence of an overhead bridge in the station at Bank Negara. I was the last to arrive at Mid Valley. Putting that behind me, I set my mind on having fun with these 4 Victorians, all of whom ( except Chai ) I had last met in December. We decided to have lunch first ; and Chai choose the restaurant. Nando's. Fine choice my friend. Ken left us for a while to answer his mom's call, and returned with a fine white coat.

We chatted and caught up while savouring the nourishing chicken that Nando's put up to offer. After paying for our meals, we decided to head back to Ken's house for a comfortable time. What a decision.

We took out the ever-eternal game of Monopoly - and created our own version t make things interesting. We have each of us various business personality - Ken became the socialist, Moi became the tax evader, Chai became the welfare person, Weng Hong became the rich government official and yours truly became the super rich. We also created a set of advantages and disadvantages for each person.

And so the game continued ; Ken almost became bankrupt and became the richest thanks to the lottery, I landed in prison 4 times thanks to rolling a double triple quadraple times, Chai provided the best service to the lower income, Moi benefited from not paying taxes and doing lots of business, Weng Hong collaborated with me to open up the " Southern Development Corridor " and, as expected, won the game.

It is interesting to note that the game went on for almost 4 hours. We had a break in between to savour Ken's mom's pancakes ( it was yummy ) while chatting on the political situation in Malaysia. We returned to the game soon after and left soon after too. At the end of the day, it was so fun !

Moral of the story : The Government ALWAYS Wins.

Stay Lucky.

How fast time flies......

2007-08-12T01:12:00.000-07:00

WHAT ! Has it been one month already ? It seems like only yesterday when I filled up those forms in the Great Hall for my admission. One month in, and I feel like I 've been here for ages. One month gone, more friends made. Well, we ( Fariz, Faizi, Feirdauz, Mirah, Fawas, Nevin, Joe, Hassan, Debra, Sam, Isam and I ) spent the end of our respective tests by having a well deserved night out in KL. So, at 5 pm Friday, in three cars, we headed down to KL. I was with Fawas, Nevin, Isam and Debra is Fawas' car. He drove like a PRO ! I must admit I was a bit shaken up at times. We first went to a restaurant in Subang to have an early dinner. Then, we went to Cineleisure to look for tickets to watch Rush Hour. Unfortunately, the movie wasn't playing there.

We ended up buying the tickets at 1 Utama. After that, we headed back to Subang to Asia Cafe to meet up with everyone else for dinner + pool. Drank a bit. I almost beat Hassan in pool !!!!!!!!!! ( Damn it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ). We were there until 12.30 am before we catched our 1.00 am show at 1U. Rush Hour was hillarious. Seriously funny. Laughed my ass off. I tried my best not to fall asleep as I slept at 4.00 am the previous night. Some of us did though.......

If you thought our night ended, you're wrong ! At 3.00 am, we headed to Hartamas to smoke shisha ( I think this is the right spelling ). I planned not to try it, but ended up taking two or three puffs. And I choked. Sigh. I was already about to sleep at that time. ( I think ) we left Uncle Don's at 4.45 am, headed towards good ole' Semenyih. This time, I followed Feirdauz in his car and I must say, it was by far the most comfortable seats I've sat in. Managed to sleep for a whil before reaching campus at 5.30 am. I had Malaysia Studies at 9.00 am the same morning. Managed to sleep for three hours. Phew ! ( BTW, I managed to concentrate in class. What do you expect - it was history ).

Oh well, I can't wait for 12th of September.

How hard can college get ?

2007-07-28T05:35:00.000-07:00

Okay people, college is bloody hard ! Assignments, assignments and more assignments ! Arghhhhhhhhhhh !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Business and Malaysian Studies !!!!! Argh !!!!!!!!! Someone help me !!!!!!!!!!! The best part is the first test is only three weeks away and I haven't even started studying. Aiyoyo ! Feel horrid + guilty. Sigh. Haven't even got my Math text book yet, and I really suck at Math...and that's not including Add Math. Anyone with suggestions ?

A desperate blog.

2007-07-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, this blog was created when I read Ken's version of Malaysia through a poem. This poem was created out of boredom and in less than half an hour. So, here it goes :-

I now study at a place of learning
Despite more than 7 months of complaining

Nottingham is the place where I am
and yes, it doesn't stink like ham

The convenient store here is dead
where they don't even sell a loaf of bread

The road coming here is long and winding
and that doesnt include the street lighting

Students here are fun and cool
so far to speak, they're always playing pool

Lecturers here are funny and interesting
Unlike in school, where some of them are boring

Food in the cafetaria is expensive and it drooles
Hey, that's sounds like school !

Facilities here are great
And that's a reason to celebrate ( Hooray ! )

The rooms here are not torturing
Instead it's a place of comfortable living

Life is hectic, full of studying
Then again, no one's complaining

Students here stay up very late,
Once again, it's not due to fate !

Nottingham is the greatest, Nottingham is the best,
From Redang Hall in the east, to the ducks in the west

Go elsewhere people said, theres so much better places out there,
Well, screw them I said, they belong nowhere.

I have my complaints, disconsider this poem,
Whatever it is, this is Nottingham, my third Home.

Are we all meant for something ?

2007-07-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

Not exactly the topic that I had in mind. Nevertheless, I shall endeavour on this thought of mine which has been bugging me since somewhere of last year.

Are we alone in this universe ? This is the question which everybody wants to know. Are we alone ? Are we not ? Why is earth so unique ? Are there any other earths out there ? Chances are there are some planets that consists of oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrogen out there ? Intelligent life forms ? possibly. But I think that the Human race is the most inferior race in the universe ( if we are indeed not alone ). Why ? Well, I do not know. But one thing is for sure, we will keep progressing. Studies shows that we only use like 10 percent of our brain. The only documented person in history to use more than that is of course, Mr. Einstein himself. God knows what we can achieve with 100 percent. Mind control ? Levitation ? Time travel ? I do not know.

But what I do believe is that we are all meant to do something in this world, but most of us don't realise it. Take Einstein. Was he born with an abnormal shaped head for nothing ? I do not think so. That is why one brilliant scholar once said that there are two kinds of greatness. One, people who are orn to be great and two, people who have greatness thrust upon them. I believe that there is a third kind of greatness. People who are made to be be Great. What is great anyway ? Is good better ? Is better better than good and great ? No. Great is supreme. You might be good at something ( theoratical physics as such ), but Einstein was greater. Why, he was born to be great and thank God, he realised it. We are all great in something, we might not realise it only. I am not asking everyone to quit their jobs, go to the Himalayas and meditate high up in Everest, but to stop, drop, and look what they have achieved. If you're good at rethorica, so be it. History, so be it. Nagging, so be it. Pain in the ass, so be it.

My only hope is that everyone realises this before it's too late. What kind of greatness are you ? Number 1, 2 or 3 ? You might just be the next chapter in history, and you don't even realise it.

Stay Lucky.