So, it is finally the last day of 2008, and to be honest I'm still trying to let that fact sink in. It seems like I can still remember 2007 like it was not too long ago. Personally, I felt that 2008 passed by way too quickly. But nonetheless, it has been a good year. A good year for almost everything, and a sad year in some ways. But overall, it's not too bad. But I hope that 2009 will be much better.
I really wanted to do a proper end of the year post, but somehow I never got around to doing it. So i guess, it's goodbye 2008. And thanks for everything.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Nightmare!!
It looks like it has come to this.
I had a nightmare the other day. In that dream I was a photo journalist, and my job was to photograph some impoverished orphans in an African country. For the job, I brought along my Pentax K200, my kit lens and my Tamron lens. I don't exactly remember the details, but this was how it went.
Before I was to board the van for the trip, I had to go and do something. And since one of the village people was my friend, I left him to take care of my camera. Afterall, he would be careful with it, right? Right. Anyways, after I did my business, I came back to look for him, and I found him. But only, my camera was nowhere to be seen. Before I could ask him, in the corner of my eye, I saw my camera bag on the muddy ground and a few kids playing with it. My camera body was lying face down in the mud, beside a small stream, and a kid was banging my kit lens into the mud. Horror! But fortunately my zoom lens was still in the bag. Enraged, I quickly ran to the kid and grabbed my stuff. All the while I was panicking because the mud could damage the sensor and if sand got into the lens, it was goodbye. I grabbed the camera body and inspected it, and fortunately there wasn't any mud in it. However, when I inspected the lens, I nearly fainted. When I shook it, sand just kept pouring out of the hole. The more I shook, the more sand poured out. It was like sand pouring down an hour glass. And when dreaming, everything seems real, even though they aren't. I didn't know what to do. There I was with a job to do and my equipment damaged.
So I boarded the van, trying to figure something out and hoping that the sand would eventually drain out. But it didn't. It just kept pouring down. Horror! And then, while shaking the lens, I woke up. Phew...
Yes, I'm bored!
I had a nightmare the other day. In that dream I was a photo journalist, and my job was to photograph some impoverished orphans in an African country. For the job, I brought along my Pentax K200, my kit lens and my Tamron lens. I don't exactly remember the details, but this was how it went.
Before I was to board the van for the trip, I had to go and do something. And since one of the village people was my friend, I left him to take care of my camera. Afterall, he would be careful with it, right? Right. Anyways, after I did my business, I came back to look for him, and I found him. But only, my camera was nowhere to be seen. Before I could ask him, in the corner of my eye, I saw my camera bag on the muddy ground and a few kids playing with it. My camera body was lying face down in the mud, beside a small stream, and a kid was banging my kit lens into the mud. Horror! But fortunately my zoom lens was still in the bag. Enraged, I quickly ran to the kid and grabbed my stuff. All the while I was panicking because the mud could damage the sensor and if sand got into the lens, it was goodbye. I grabbed the camera body and inspected it, and fortunately there wasn't any mud in it. However, when I inspected the lens, I nearly fainted. When I shook it, sand just kept pouring out of the hole. The more I shook, the more sand poured out. It was like sand pouring down an hour glass. And when dreaming, everything seems real, even though they aren't. I didn't know what to do. There I was with a job to do and my equipment damaged.
So I boarded the van, trying to figure something out and hoping that the sand would eventually drain out. But it didn't. It just kept pouring down. Horror! And then, while shaking the lens, I woke up. Phew...
Yes, I'm bored!
Monday, December 29, 2008
My Locks
You know what? Among all that I've done in the past four or five months, my best work probably has to be the growing of my hair. No, seriously, bear with me on this. Before I landed here, I was a bit of a neat freak when it came to hair. I was rather conservative, not allowing to grow beyond a certain length just so that it would stay neat and that I wouldn't have to spend more than 10 seconds making it neat.
Well, That isn't the case anymore. You see, since I got here, my roommate and I made a pact that we would allow our hair to grow till next may and never to cut it till then. At the beginning, I was very comfortable with the idea. In fact, I wanted to do it. In the first month or two, it was going along well. Then, as it progressed, my hair started getting messier and messier. It curled in every direction and it was difficult to keep it neat. So instead of wasting time in front of the mirror, trying to make it neat, I would just let it be and spend the whole day looking like I'd just been hit by a truck. Well, not really. That's an exaggeration. But you get the idea no? Anyways, it went that way for the entire duration of school. On some days it would look good and on some days, it had its bad moods. But overall, I thought that I looked massive with it. Especially with my unshaven beard and moustache.
And up until yesterday, it stayed that way. Well... That was until I visited the barber. I don't know why I did it. I don't know what possessed me into it, but I did it. When I got there, I told the barber that I had wanted to keep my hair long and that I wanted to trim the sides of my hair so it wouldn't look so messy. I even showed her a picture of what it should look like. But no. She did it in such a way that my head now looks like a bloody pirate's hat. It's going to take another month till my hair gets back to being rock & roll.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa =/
Well, That isn't the case anymore. You see, since I got here, my roommate and I made a pact that we would allow our hair to grow till next may and never to cut it till then. At the beginning, I was very comfortable with the idea. In fact, I wanted to do it. In the first month or two, it was going along well. Then, as it progressed, my hair started getting messier and messier. It curled in every direction and it was difficult to keep it neat. So instead of wasting time in front of the mirror, trying to make it neat, I would just let it be and spend the whole day looking like I'd just been hit by a truck. Well, not really. That's an exaggeration. But you get the idea no? Anyways, it went that way for the entire duration of school. On some days it would look good and on some days, it had its bad moods. But overall, I thought that I looked massive with it. Especially with my unshaven beard and moustache.
And up until yesterday, it stayed that way. Well... That was until I visited the barber. I don't know why I did it. I don't know what possessed me into it, but I did it. When I got there, I told the barber that I had wanted to keep my hair long and that I wanted to trim the sides of my hair so it wouldn't look so messy. I even showed her a picture of what it should look like. But no. She did it in such a way that my head now looks like a bloody pirate's hat. It's going to take another month till my hair gets back to being rock & roll.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa =/
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Thief
I was at the mall today with my uncle, aunt, and two cousins. So while my aunt took John to buy a pair of shoes, and while my uncle went to look at some perfumes, I was left to the task of looking after Joseph. So as usual, we were our lively selves, playing and messing around with each other in the middle of a busy mall. Then while messing around, he wanted to play police and thief. He asked me to grab his toy from him, which I duly did and after which he started making siren sounds and called me a thief. Then as he was doing that, a group of people passed by and he held his hand out and pointed to them, saying "Thief! Thief!" Alarmed, I quickly pushed his hand down and smiled at the bunch of people. Then, a group of big sized African Americans in hip-hop clothing, passed by and he held his hand out, pointed to them and started shouting "Thief! Thief!" This time I got scared because the whole group stopped walking and started staring at Joseph and myself. I quickly pushed his hands down and said "Hey! Hey! Don't say that!" But those African guys kept looking at us while walking off. Their "popped out" eyes were really intimidating. But thankfully they just walked off after that.
Then when his dad come, I told him what happened, while laughing. But instead of seeing the funny side of it, my uncle scolded Joseph. He then told my aunt, and my aunt scolded him for it. And all the while I was still laughing. I felt bad but I really couldn't help it. My uncle was like "Good thing they didn't bash you up." And knowing America where a man got shot in front of his kid because he and his family were making noise in a cinema, there was some substance to it.
Then when his dad come, I told him what happened, while laughing. But instead of seeing the funny side of it, my uncle scolded Joseph. He then told my aunt, and my aunt scolded him for it. And all the while I was still laughing. I felt bad but I really couldn't help it. My uncle was like "Good thing they didn't bash you up." And knowing America where a man got shot in front of his kid because he and his family were making noise in a cinema, there was some substance to it.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Personified
When a dog sleeps in your lap. When a young child rests his head on your shoulder so he can sleep. When you look into their eyes never wanting to look away. When you hold their hands and say nothing at all. When all you want to listen to is their voice.
The greatest achievement...
The greatest achievement...
This Is Where
The desert, the water, and a fifty dollar bill... Sometimes, one will never know the value of water until one is stuck in the desert, hopelessly lost and with nothing but the sands to guide them home. Sometimes one will never know the value of a fifty dollar bill until one is hopelessly lost and hungry in a city where there is no charity or sympathy.
All he ever wanted was to explore the world, with his eyes wide open, and with sincerity from all around him. But instead, what he got was a fist full of blows and punches for all that he was. He tried to reason, he tried to understand, he seeked help, but no one could answer him. Not even his parents. Instead, they would crush his dreams by belittling this young child's ambitions. They never allowed him to express himself. They never allowed him to grow. Constantly keeping him under a microscope and ridiculing his every move. Day by day as the torments increased, he started to become a recluse. He stared withdrawing himself from society, becoming a social recluse. His friends would laugh and poke fun at him. He never really did make any friends. He saw everyone else as being characters of an artist who only wished to please everyone else but himself. They were just too superficial, too fake. And even those who were friends with him, were never really his friends. How could they be? His parents never really cared. Instead they would brush it off as teenage angst. They couldn't see that deep beneath his dark blue eyes, lay a teenager laden with anger and confusion over his treatment. Lay a teenager seeking the answers, seeking for a soul who could tell him why. To find solace, he would bury himself in his loud, guitar driven music. He would immerse himself in every note, every beat, and every word. He always seemed to find the meaning to every verse he ever listened to. He began to believe that the music he listened to was written for him. He found his comfort. The only place he belonged to. For him, the rock stars that he idolized were gods. He started to mimic their every behaviour. From the way they dressed, the way they talked, sung and the way they behaved. He would go to school with his hair long, with piercings all over his face, and tattoos all over his arms. He had make up on, with tight leather pants and denim jackets and with a guitar on his back. This was him. He felt powerful. But instead, this made him the subject of further ridicule. Other teenagers would stare at point at him, whisper behind his back and when the prank was pulled, laughed at him. To them, he was a freak. A social outcast to be ridiculed like the displays in a freak show. His teachers ostracized him and often punished him for things he never did just because of the way he looked. His parents, like before, never really cared. They never bothered to listen to him. All they did was punish him, day after day. Nagging at him, lecturing him and belittling his just like they always have. He never liked coming home. To him, home was like hell. The only heaven he ever has was when he had his headphones on, with Skid Row playing in the background. He would rebel. He would argue with his parents, teachers, and sometimes beat up the kids who would make fun of him. He nearly killed someone.
Inspiration lost... so this is where it ends
All he ever wanted was to explore the world, with his eyes wide open, and with sincerity from all around him. But instead, what he got was a fist full of blows and punches for all that he was. He tried to reason, he tried to understand, he seeked help, but no one could answer him. Not even his parents. Instead, they would crush his dreams by belittling this young child's ambitions. They never allowed him to express himself. They never allowed him to grow. Constantly keeping him under a microscope and ridiculing his every move. Day by day as the torments increased, he started to become a recluse. He stared withdrawing himself from society, becoming a social recluse. His friends would laugh and poke fun at him. He never really did make any friends. He saw everyone else as being characters of an artist who only wished to please everyone else but himself. They were just too superficial, too fake. And even those who were friends with him, were never really his friends. How could they be? His parents never really cared. Instead they would brush it off as teenage angst. They couldn't see that deep beneath his dark blue eyes, lay a teenager laden with anger and confusion over his treatment. Lay a teenager seeking the answers, seeking for a soul who could tell him why. To find solace, he would bury himself in his loud, guitar driven music. He would immerse himself in every note, every beat, and every word. He always seemed to find the meaning to every verse he ever listened to. He began to believe that the music he listened to was written for him. He found his comfort. The only place he belonged to. For him, the rock stars that he idolized were gods. He started to mimic their every behaviour. From the way they dressed, the way they talked, sung and the way they behaved. He would go to school with his hair long, with piercings all over his face, and tattoos all over his arms. He had make up on, with tight leather pants and denim jackets and with a guitar on his back. This was him. He felt powerful. But instead, this made him the subject of further ridicule. Other teenagers would stare at point at him, whisper behind his back and when the prank was pulled, laughed at him. To them, he was a freak. A social outcast to be ridiculed like the displays in a freak show. His teachers ostracized him and often punished him for things he never did just because of the way he looked. His parents, like before, never really cared. They never bothered to listen to him. All they did was punish him, day after day. Nagging at him, lecturing him and belittling his just like they always have. He never liked coming home. To him, home was like hell. The only heaven he ever has was when he had his headphones on, with Skid Row playing in the background. He would rebel. He would argue with his parents, teachers, and sometimes beat up the kids who would make fun of him. He nearly killed someone.
Inspiration lost... so this is where it ends
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Default
24th of December 2008, sitting on top of my bed, staring into the laptop, with a mind active as a nomad, present in as many places possible, and with Staind in the background, I find it hard not to stop thinking.
I just returned from Scottsdale a couple of hours ago. Finally, signs of proper life, a proper civilization. The cars alone were insane. In a space of a couple of hours, I saw few Ferrari's, a couple of Brabuses, SL 55, SL 65, CLS 55, Corvettes, Vipers, a convertible Rolls-Royce, a Lamborghini Gallardo and a fleet of other mental cars. Finally, a good mall. Something worthy of mention. Something to rival, the heavenly malls of Malaysia. It was packed with shoppers of all shapes and sizes, sex, creed, nationality and everything else that describes distinctions between humans. Everyone was taking their wallets out, exchanging their paper, and swiping their rectangular plastic contraptions for a smile. A smile that they know they will get when dawn breaks and the wrapping papers are torn open, excitedly. Well, maybe not from all, but from the grateful ones at least. The food was good. I've been getting that a whole lot these days. I'm grateful for that. I know it won't last long. Two weeks more, and it's back to Florida. Back to face another arduous semester. But this time, it will be different. Better. This I know for sure.
Days later, I'm still wondering. Where did the math go wrong?
I still take it as it is. No deviations.
I just returned from Scottsdale a couple of hours ago. Finally, signs of proper life, a proper civilization. The cars alone were insane. In a space of a couple of hours, I saw few Ferrari's, a couple of Brabuses, SL 55, SL 65, CLS 55, Corvettes, Vipers, a convertible Rolls-Royce, a Lamborghini Gallardo and a fleet of other mental cars. Finally, a good mall. Something worthy of mention. Something to rival, the heavenly malls of Malaysia. It was packed with shoppers of all shapes and sizes, sex, creed, nationality and everything else that describes distinctions between humans. Everyone was taking their wallets out, exchanging their paper, and swiping their rectangular plastic contraptions for a smile. A smile that they know they will get when dawn breaks and the wrapping papers are torn open, excitedly. Well, maybe not from all, but from the grateful ones at least. The food was good. I've been getting that a whole lot these days. I'm grateful for that. I know it won't last long. Two weeks more, and it's back to Florida. Back to face another arduous semester. But this time, it will be different. Better. This I know for sure.
Days later, I'm still wondering. Where did the math go wrong?
I still take it as it is. No deviations.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
PMRC
This is why I love rock stars or anyone that stands up to the establishment in a smart way. Not bad for rock stars going to congress to defend their music.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Bored
I was doing some thinking lately and I've come up with the idea of moving out from Daytona Beach to Prescott, Arizona next August. The reason I want to do so is because, I personally think that despite its flashy name, Daytona is actually a very boring town. Apart from the beach, unless I have a car, there really isn't anything much to do there. Plus there isn't much to photograph. The few advantages which the Daytona campus has over the Prescott campus are that it outranks the Prescott campus, the mall is within walking distance and I don't have to deal with rattlesnakes, scorpions or spiders. I don't know how much better the Prescott campus is, but the surrounding area looks better. It sits on top of a mountain, about 5,100 feet, and is surrounded by many lakes and parks. And despite it being in the desert, the temperatures aren't too bad.
The past 12 days have been a journey of absolute boredom. It's so boring, that its just not funny anymore. I need adventure. I need to do something, before I lose my head!
The past 12 days have been a journey of absolute boredom. It's so boring, that its just not funny anymore. I need adventure. I need to do something, before I lose my head!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Liberated
It feels good to be liberated. It may not have turned out like in the story books, but, in the end, I got something better than what I've seen in story books.
Thank you.
-The End-
Thank you.
-The End-
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Metal
I really should be going to bed now.
But anyways, I'm completely hooked to metal music right now. A couple of hours ago, I was watching a four hour program, called the "History of Metal" over VH1C. It is a terrific documentary. It spoke about how metal started in Birmingham, and the first band being the Black Sabbath, all the way through its evolutions, its rise, its fall, its political cases, the social revolution, and right up to today's scene.
This is part 1.
But anyways, I'm completely hooked to metal music right now. A couple of hours ago, I was watching a four hour program, called the "History of Metal" over VH1C. It is a terrific documentary. It spoke about how metal started in Birmingham, and the first band being the Black Sabbath, all the way through its evolutions, its rise, its fall, its political cases, the social revolution, and right up to today's scene.
This is part 1.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Deafening Silence
Its weird that I'm feeling this sense of peace in a room which I was told is supposed to be the coldest in the entire house. What that means, I'm going to keep it a secret. You can ask me personally but, I am happy as it is. I may sleep with the lights on, but, I don't need any surprises.
You know, I've been thinking. Some say that they are pretty good at keeping a straight face and not allowing others to know what lies beneath them. But I'm starting to think that its a whole lot of crap, and there is no such thing as hiding from anything, because no matter how hard one tries, there always are signs. Its just that no one notices. Its like a chameleon. Just because its skin matches its surroundings, doesn't mean that it isn't there. You're just not trained enough to see it and no one is near perfect enough to completely hide it.
Hurry up and get back.
To be continued...
You know, I've been thinking. Some say that they are pretty good at keeping a straight face and not allowing others to know what lies beneath them. But I'm starting to think that its a whole lot of crap, and there is no such thing as hiding from anything, because no matter how hard one tries, there always are signs. Its just that no one notices. Its like a chameleon. Just because its skin matches its surroundings, doesn't mean that it isn't there. You're just not trained enough to see it and no one is near perfect enough to completely hide it.
Hurry up and get back.
To be continued...
Friday, December 19, 2008
Free
Wake up, it isn't over yet. It's time to get dressed, to put on your make up and to tighten your mask. The day is new, the day is warm, the day invites. Release your sails and go with the wind. But always remember to control the rudder. And when the time comes, remove your make up and throw your mask away. When it comes to this, only honesty will set you apart.
To be continued...
To be continued...
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Eaten By The Lions
The world of eternity,
Across the oceans of the southern seas,
In a land once ours,
She makes her steps.
Will history repeat itself,
Or will it be different?
To be continued...
Across the oceans of the southern seas,
In a land once ours,
She makes her steps.
Will history repeat itself,
Or will it be different?
To be continued...
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Drugs & Alcohol
30 minutes to midnight, and the clock still stays the same, or at least the perception of it.
Sometimes, I really wish that I am high on drugs and alcohol. High enough to know what I'm saying, and high enough not to know the consequence of it. High enough not to be able to remember it the next morning. High enough so at least I'll have something to blame it on. But too bad the world wasn't built around the drunk and high, but rather built around those who dared take that flight of faith.
Saying it in your mind, and saying it in reality are two completely different things. No matter how many times you practiced, no matter how many ways you've thought of saying it, it always comes out differently. Sometimes you nail it, sometimes you don't, and that's how life goes.
But its that leap of faith that counts, its that extra ounce of courage that counts, its a question of how badly? Bad enough to want, bad enough to need, or bad enough to leave alone?
To be continued...
Sometimes, I really wish that I am high on drugs and alcohol. High enough to know what I'm saying, and high enough not to know the consequence of it. High enough not to be able to remember it the next morning. High enough so at least I'll have something to blame it on. But too bad the world wasn't built around the drunk and high, but rather built around those who dared take that flight of faith.
Saying it in your mind, and saying it in reality are two completely different things. No matter how many times you practiced, no matter how many ways you've thought of saying it, it always comes out differently. Sometimes you nail it, sometimes you don't, and that's how life goes.
But its that leap of faith that counts, its that extra ounce of courage that counts, its a question of how badly? Bad enough to want, bad enough to need, or bad enough to leave alone?
To be continued...
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Warning Sign
I watched this today...
... and surprisingly, it is a very good movie. It is one of those movies where you had to wear those 3D glasses. Initially, I got a little dizzy because I wasn't very used to the effects. But after a while, I got used to it and enjoyed the show. I say, watch it, if you ever get the chance. But apart from the movie, another good part was that the cinema was completely empty apart from me, my two cousins, my aunt and another family. And yes, I'm having a great time here.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Nothin' But A Good Time
I keep getting up early these days. Oh yeah, it's because I'm still stuck in Florida's time, where I would usually get up at 9 AM.
Anyways, I just got up, and I'm surfing around aimlessly. Almost everyone, but the boys are asleep. I think I'll just go down and have a drink.
Anyways, I just got up, and I'm surfing around aimlessly. Almost everyone, but the boys are asleep. I think I'll just go down and have a drink.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
In Phoenix
So, after what seemed like endless, torturous flights, I've finally arrived in Phoenix. I came in yesterday actually, but I've only gotten the chance to blog about it now.
First off, I'm really glad that I landed in Phoenix. I finally got to see my uncle, aunt and my two cousins after four long months, and I miss them dearly. To put it in plain terms, they have done so much for me and I really appreciate having them around.
The flights were horrendous. Both were in MD-80's and for information, those are really small jets. The first flight, which was from Orlando to Chicago, was completely packed. I was seated by the window, tow seats from the isle and since I had one extra baggage, I had to place it under the seat in front of me, which restricted my leg room. But on that flight I met a great elderly couple from Chicago, and it was a pleasure talking to them.
The O'Hare airport certainly lived up to all its hype. Whatever you heard about it, being the most busiest and mental, it is all true. That place is just bustling and when we were coming in for our landing, I could see a plane coming in for an approach right beside us and when we were flying out, I could see a whole line of planes waiting to land. It was just spectacular.
The second flight was somewhat better because I had three seats to myself. I got to stretch my legs out, and that helped ease the torture of flying. And In case you didn't know, I'm the Aerospace engineer wannabe who completely hates flying, unless I'm doing the flying. It really is that bad, and boring. And if I ever became leader of the world, I'm going to ban all passenger planes smaller than a Boeing 777, and any airline which doesn't offer enough legroom!
Oh, and the time difference from me to you guys is now 15 hours. So, if you want to talk to me, just remember that I'm 15 hours before.
Ok, I'm getting pretty sleepy now. I'll update more when I get the chance.
First off, I'm really glad that I landed in Phoenix. I finally got to see my uncle, aunt and my two cousins after four long months, and I miss them dearly. To put it in plain terms, they have done so much for me and I really appreciate having them around.
The flights were horrendous. Both were in MD-80's and for information, those are really small jets. The first flight, which was from Orlando to Chicago, was completely packed. I was seated by the window, tow seats from the isle and since I had one extra baggage, I had to place it under the seat in front of me, which restricted my leg room. But on that flight I met a great elderly couple from Chicago, and it was a pleasure talking to them.
The O'Hare airport certainly lived up to all its hype. Whatever you heard about it, being the most busiest and mental, it is all true. That place is just bustling and when we were coming in for our landing, I could see a plane coming in for an approach right beside us and when we were flying out, I could see a whole line of planes waiting to land. It was just spectacular.
The second flight was somewhat better because I had three seats to myself. I got to stretch my legs out, and that helped ease the torture of flying. And In case you didn't know, I'm the Aerospace engineer wannabe who completely hates flying, unless I'm doing the flying. It really is that bad, and boring. And if I ever became leader of the world, I'm going to ban all passenger planes smaller than a Boeing 777, and any airline which doesn't offer enough legroom!
Oh, and the time difference from me to you guys is now 15 hours. So, if you want to talk to me, just remember that I'm 15 hours before.
Ok, I'm getting pretty sleepy now. I'll update more when I get the chance.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Almost Sands
It's 7.57 now, and it'll be less than an hour until my airport shuttle arrives.
Last night was absolutely amazing. Nearly empty floors, a few friends and a mask from a horror movie, definitely among my best nights since I got here.
Au revoir!
Last night was absolutely amazing. Nearly empty floors, a few friends and a mask from a horror movie, definitely among my best nights since I got here.
Au revoir!
We Close The Curtains
Before opening this window, I had so much to say about a multitude of different things. I had plenty of things running through my head when I walked through my room door, knowing that I had no obligations to face, no timetables to meet, no assignments to hand up and not having anything else to do with the university for the rest of the year. I also had thoughts of my friends and lecturers whom I will not be seeing. Some for the period of the winter break, and some for a very long period of time. But as soon as I opened this window, all those thoughts suddenly became a garble of unintelligible information and now I don't know where to start or what to say.
Sitting on this carpet, with my laptop in front of me, it feels like the first day I landed here. I don't know how to describe it but everything feels like it is new. The weather was just like how it was when I first got here. The room feels empty and un-lived in, like when I first got here and to some degree, I'm even feeling some feelings that I only felt when I first got here. I don't know why, but this is just how it is.
As always, saying goodbye is not an easy thing to do. Like always, we feel a tinge of sadness and a slight bit of fulfillment all at the same time. Sad because I might not get to see some of my friends here for a very long time. Diego has gone back to Spain and Gauthier will be leaving pretty soon. Perhaps the only time that I'll get to see any one of them is when I visit them in their home country or when they come and visit me wherever I may be at that point in my life. A sense of fulfillment because, after all, it has been one heck of a great ride and I will forever cherish and remember the great times we had. I felt that way when I first left Malaysia. As time went on by, I did start to get used to the idea of being far away from the ones that I love, but no matter how long time goes on, there will always be one thing that will remain constant: my fondness and admiration for each and everyone that I have had the privilege to call my friend.
Now that the end of the first step of a journey that I've long dreamt of has finally come to a close, I can now look back and smile my widest and give myself a good tap on the back. True, I haven't yet achieved all that I have set out to do, nor have I met the goals that I have set for myself, but I will look up with pride and honor that I tried my hardest and fought my best and anything that comes after this, I can only learn from. But now, I can finally say that I've survived a semester at Embry-Riddle and I know now what it is like to be a student of the best aerospace university, anywhere in the world.
Speaking these words, it is only appropriate that I spare a thought for a friend of mine who like myself, started a whole new chapter on the same date I started mine. Her name is Elena. I hope she too had a good and fulfilling time, as I did mine.
Sitting on this carpet, with my laptop in front of me, it feels like the first day I landed here. I don't know how to describe it but everything feels like it is new. The weather was just like how it was when I first got here. The room feels empty and un-lived in, like when I first got here and to some degree, I'm even feeling some feelings that I only felt when I first got here. I don't know why, but this is just how it is.
As always, saying goodbye is not an easy thing to do. Like always, we feel a tinge of sadness and a slight bit of fulfillment all at the same time. Sad because I might not get to see some of my friends here for a very long time. Diego has gone back to Spain and Gauthier will be leaving pretty soon. Perhaps the only time that I'll get to see any one of them is when I visit them in their home country or when they come and visit me wherever I may be at that point in my life. A sense of fulfillment because, after all, it has been one heck of a great ride and I will forever cherish and remember the great times we had. I felt that way when I first left Malaysia. As time went on by, I did start to get used to the idea of being far away from the ones that I love, but no matter how long time goes on, there will always be one thing that will remain constant: my fondness and admiration for each and everyone that I have had the privilege to call my friend.
Now that the end of the first step of a journey that I've long dreamt of has finally come to a close, I can now look back and smile my widest and give myself a good tap on the back. True, I haven't yet achieved all that I have set out to do, nor have I met the goals that I have set for myself, but I will look up with pride and honor that I tried my hardest and fought my best and anything that comes after this, I can only learn from. But now, I can finally say that I've survived a semester at Embry-Riddle and I know now what it is like to be a student of the best aerospace university, anywhere in the world.
Speaking these words, it is only appropriate that I spare a thought for a friend of mine who like myself, started a whole new chapter on the same date I started mine. Her name is Elena. I hope she too had a good and fulfilling time, as I did mine.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Shacklers Revenge
This is actually not that bad. Try taking an impartial view and just think of them as this new band, releasing new stuff. Just forget that this is Axl Rose, forget that Slash ever used to be in this band. Try doing that. I did, and it's not too bad at all.
I've heard 3 songs so far, and really, it's not as bad as what people have said. Let's see how the rest of it goes.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Last Week
And it's finally here!! The last week of Embry-Riddle-dom or whatever it is they call it when the semester draws to a close. And what are we going to do to celebrate? Hopefully a drink with my French brother, Gauthier, tonight and a good trip to the beach on Wednesday with some of my floor mates. =)
Now all I have to do is start packing up for Phoenix and study for world politics.
Now all I have to do is start packing up for Phoenix and study for world politics.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Last Day of Classes
I love my new speakers. It ain't much, but at least I get to hear music the way it's supposed to be heard.
Anyways, classes officially ended yesterday, which could only mean one thing: Finals!
But that aside, it was rather sad to suddenly realize that I had come to the end of the semester, and I'm bidding farewell to my lecturers. I remember being feeling an incredible feeling of sadness when Dr. Camara gave his parting message and subsequently raised his hand to give the salute-like wave. What was more incredible was that I actually felt a slight tinge of sadness and regret after Ms. Battista's class. I know that I've voiced some strong opinions regarding her classes and teaching methods, but looking back, I know that I was probably too strong with my opinions and as a result I didn't enjoy her class as I should have. I had my last consulting session with Mr.Ross today. What I can say about Mr. Ross is that he most definitely one of the best lecturers I ever had. Learning calculus under him has been an absolute pleasure and if he does any other math courses, I'd be the first to take it. Bueno's class was the usual snooze fest for me. It's not that he's a bad teacher or anything, but I just didn't pay much attention in it. I'd usually blog hop or Facebook during his class. Wang was another snooze fest. He is a great guy, but he does make lectures boring.
Anyhow, holidays are coming up soon and I just can't wait to see my aunt and uncle as well as my cousins and not to mention the food!
Anyways, classes officially ended yesterday, which could only mean one thing: Finals!
But that aside, it was rather sad to suddenly realize that I had come to the end of the semester, and I'm bidding farewell to my lecturers. I remember being feeling an incredible feeling of sadness when Dr. Camara gave his parting message and subsequently raised his hand to give the salute-like wave. What was more incredible was that I actually felt a slight tinge of sadness and regret after Ms. Battista's class. I know that I've voiced some strong opinions regarding her classes and teaching methods, but looking back, I know that I was probably too strong with my opinions and as a result I didn't enjoy her class as I should have. I had my last consulting session with Mr.Ross today. What I can say about Mr. Ross is that he most definitely one of the best lecturers I ever had. Learning calculus under him has been an absolute pleasure and if he does any other math courses, I'd be the first to take it. Bueno's class was the usual snooze fest for me. It's not that he's a bad teacher or anything, but I just didn't pay much attention in it. I'd usually blog hop or Facebook during his class. Wang was another snooze fest. He is a great guy, but he does make lectures boring.
Anyhow, holidays are coming up soon and I just can't wait to see my aunt and uncle as well as my cousins and not to mention the food!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Finish
Ahh.. Finally the presentation is over. That's one down and two more to go, and after that, it's off to Phoenix for me.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
According to Estimates...
I just got my suit ready for tomorrows presentation. All black, except for a gray tie. Wish me luck =P
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
Finish- d
There was a tornado warning today. But like the last time around, nothing happened =S. Anyways, thanksgiving holidays is finally over, and it can only mean one thing...
...presentation on Wednesday... gg
...presentation on Wednesday... gg
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Lah - Power!!
I think that Malaysian English is cool! Seriously. It's so cool that I now call it the lah-power!
I don't know lah... Since I got here I've enjoyed using the lah's and mah's and everything else that makes up the Malaysian English and the best part is, no one gives me the stares. Initially, I thought that I'd loose the Malaysian way of speaking when I got here, but believe it or not, I think it is actually getting thicker! Maybe it's because of the Malaysian pride and patriotism that I feel *cough cough*
Anyways, holidays are about to come to an end. As expected it was a rather uneventful holiday, except the awesome thanksgiving party which I had. You want to know why it was awesome? It was because, it was hosted by a Malaysian doctor. And according to the immigrant equation, Malaysian host must surely equal to Malaysian cooking, which in this case proved to be true!
Oh, on another note, why the **** does the world have to be so small?? Ikan betul lah!!!!
I don't know lah... Since I got here I've enjoyed using the lah's and mah's and everything else that makes up the Malaysian English and the best part is, no one gives me the stares. Initially, I thought that I'd loose the Malaysian way of speaking when I got here, but believe it or not, I think it is actually getting thicker! Maybe it's because of the Malaysian pride and patriotism that I feel *cough cough*
Anyways, holidays are about to come to an end. As expected it was a rather uneventful holiday, except the awesome thanksgiving party which I had. You want to know why it was awesome? It was because, it was hosted by a Malaysian doctor. And according to the immigrant equation, Malaysian host must surely equal to Malaysian cooking, which in this case proved to be true!
Oh, on another note, why the **** does the world have to be so small?? Ikan betul lah!!!!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Hahahaha
It's like a light on the top of a hill, shining, proclaiming its existence to the world. But who is it above that hill? Who art though light man? Why do you keep shining and never fade?
Man... Once again, it comes that time when I get to so spectacularly fail in listening. Ain't it sweet? Yeah...you wish.
*New motivation to fill in those white sheets and send it to whom it may belong to*
Man... Once again, it comes that time when I get to so spectacularly fail in listening. Ain't it sweet? Yeah...you wish.
*New motivation to fill in those white sheets and send it to whom it may belong to*
One On One
My studies to break ratio seems to be on a 1:1 ratio. But sometimes, wait... most of the times, it's actually more. Meaning that I do more break-ing than studying... sigh.. Ok, back to studying=P
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Her Belonging
She cries a voice that longs for belonging,
Hoping for an acceptance she never once felt,
She swims in a pride she never really owned,
Hoping that she'd be drenched in waters that never really existed,
Hoping that someday, someone will see her.
Hoping that someday, she will find her hands.
The illusions that she owns,
The life that she breaths,
Always filled with the bliss of ignorance,
Always filled with the bliss of innocence.
But of course, she doesn't really know,
Or does she?
Hoping for an acceptance she never once felt,
She swims in a pride she never really owned,
Hoping that she'd be drenched in waters that never really existed,
Hoping that someday, someone will see her.
Hoping that someday, she will find her hands.
The illusions that she owns,
The life that she breaths,
Always filled with the bliss of ignorance,
Always filled with the bliss of innocence.
But of course, she doesn't really know,
Or does she?
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Well, I've been doing a bit of "looking around" lately, and I have come up with a Christmas wish list. Either one would be good.
First up, the DA 10-17 mm fisheye lens.
Second, a battery grip for my K200.
Third, a flash kit.
But if you are really, really feeling generous, you could just give me this =)
But if you've got a lot of cash to spare, then I really wouldn't mind having all!!
Jon? Sara? You reading this?? haha
This is what online window shopping does to a person=P
First up, the DA 10-17 mm fisheye lens.
Second, a battery grip for my K200.
Third, a flash kit.
But if you are really, really feeling generous, you could just give me this =)
But if you've got a lot of cash to spare, then I really wouldn't mind having all!!
Jon? Sara? You reading this?? haha
This is what online window shopping does to a person=P
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Sleepy
Tomorrow will be the last day of classes before the Thanksgiving Holiday begins. I for one am definitely looking forward to it. Of course, I know that I won't entirely enjoy the holidays because I know that I still have a few more projects to get done, but at least I can now have some time to do some searching for things that I've been looking for.
It amazes me how fast time has passed by since I got here. I have not counted, but I think that I've been gone for about 13 weeks? And all of a sudden, when people ask me, I tell them that I'll be back in 6 months time. That's three shorter than I would have said had you asked me on the 17th of August. And before I know it, I'd be booking the tickets for the flight back home. Living abroad definitely isn't one of the most easiest things I've ever done, but when it comes to learning, it is safe to say that I have learnt a whole lot of new things, both academically and about life in general. What those lessons are? Well, it's already 11 pm and I really don't want to speak about it now. But maybe you can ask me when I'm free.
But anyhow, it's been great so far and I think its time for me to crash right now. Good night!
It amazes me how fast time has passed by since I got here. I have not counted, but I think that I've been gone for about 13 weeks? And all of a sudden, when people ask me, I tell them that I'll be back in 6 months time. That's three shorter than I would have said had you asked me on the 17th of August. And before I know it, I'd be booking the tickets for the flight back home. Living abroad definitely isn't one of the most easiest things I've ever done, but when it comes to learning, it is safe to say that I have learnt a whole lot of new things, both academically and about life in general. What those lessons are? Well, it's already 11 pm and I really don't want to speak about it now. But maybe you can ask me when I'm free.
But anyhow, it's been great so far and I think its time for me to crash right now. Good night!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Back
Wow... It has been more than a week since I last updated this space and suddenly I feel so alien. It's like Yes, that's what it feels like.
But anyways, I'm back, never to be gone again, I hope. *crosses fingers*
So, what have I been up to? Well, the usual. It's been the same thing day in day out. It is always from one page to the next, one equation to the other, one assignment to the one succeeding it, and the librarian knows me so well that he knows what to get me everytime I go to the circulation desk! But it's good that way because he and I are now friends.
Moving on, I've found a new love!!! Online shopping!! And yes, I can feel myself falling slowly, and slowly into its grasp. I'm amazed how stuff online are so much cheaper than the ones on the shelves and how much more easier it is to get it. The only drawback is the shipping time. Standard shipping is about 5 business days on Amazon. So, if you're reading this, you know what to get me for Christmas *hints*
Oh, it's 10.07... I told myself I'll study at 10.00. Ciao.
But anyways, I'm back, never to be gone again, I hope. *crosses fingers*
So, what have I been up to? Well, the usual. It's been the same thing day in day out. It is always from one page to the next, one equation to the other, one assignment to the one succeeding it, and the librarian knows me so well that he knows what to get me everytime I go to the circulation desk! But it's good that way because he and I are now friends.
Moving on, I've found a new love!!! Online shopping!! And yes, I can feel myself falling slowly, and slowly into its grasp. I'm amazed how stuff online are so much cheaper than the ones on the shelves and how much more easier it is to get it. The only drawback is the shipping time. Standard shipping is about 5 business days on Amazon. So, if you're reading this, you know what to get me for Christmas *hints*
Oh, it's 10.07... I told myself I'll study at 10.00. Ciao.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Update
It is one in the afternoon, and here I am in the atrium of the library, a glider plane looking down on me, while Rod is in the chair beside me, reading an auto magazine. My next class is at 3.30, technical report writing, and I am not looking forward to it. I really wish that I could, but such is her class that I feel that I've paid close to 3000 dollars to watch a lame comedian trying to do stand up comedy and look cool, while I learn nothing out of it. But anyways, what's done is done and all I can do is try my best and hang in for another 4 weeks. I know I can, and I know I will. Thankfully though, I have four other great lecturers and I will work hard and do my best in their classes.
But moving on, I bought a new book two days back. It's called "Comrade J". It is a true story about Sergei Tetryakov, a Soviet spy who defected on the KGB and became an informant for the United States. It also talks about how KGB spies functioned during and after the cold war, and the methods used by them to gain information on other nations. It is an interesting read. The author, Pete Earley, is a great guy as well. He came down to give a talk on his books. His speech about spies were equally exciting. He has written more books and I plan to get them soon.
But apart from that, nothing exciting has been going on recently and I've got nothing much to update on.
But moving on, I bought a new book two days back. It's called "Comrade J". It is a true story about Sergei Tetryakov, a Soviet spy who defected on the KGB and became an informant for the United States. It also talks about how KGB spies functioned during and after the cold war, and the methods used by them to gain information on other nations. It is an interesting read. The author, Pete Earley, is a great guy as well. He came down to give a talk on his books. His speech about spies were equally exciting. He has written more books and I plan to get them soon.
But apart from that, nothing exciting has been going on recently and I've got nothing much to update on.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Who Am I?
Who am I to criticize when I have yet not heard of nor practiced the perfect standard?
Who am I to preach when there are so many unexplored truths?
Who am I to commit when I have not heard from all sides?
Who am I to preach when there are so many unexplored truths?
Who am I to commit when I have not heard from all sides?
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Barack Obama
Nov 4th, 2008, the day, we got the chance for change that we seeked.
Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois.
Congratulations, Obama, Biden and to all who made it possible.
Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois.
Congratulations, Obama, Biden and to all who made it possible.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Amazing Day
Today has to be among the most amazing weekends of my time here in Florida. First, I got to watch one of the most dramatic F1 World Championship finals in the entire sport's history. Then, I got to hear from the Democratic Vice Presidential candidate himself, Senator Joe Biden, and I must say that the atmosphere was electrifying and his speech was superb. I just cannot put into words how charismatic he was and how rousing his speech was.
Devon.
Myself
Jill Biden, Joe's wife.
Joe Biden
Before I end, I would like to say congratulations to both Hamilton and Massa, and welcome to the club, Hammo.
Devon.
Myself
Jill Biden, Joe's wife.
Joe Biden
Before I end, I would like to say congratulations to both Hamilton and Massa, and welcome to the club, Hammo.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Another Update
I had a pretty good day today. It was one of the more, "I think it's mutual" sort of days, if you know what I mean. Hey, everybody's got a right to an opinion ,and if you don't like it, that's your problem. But on the downside, I think I'm going to fall sick soon. I'm getting that "pre-fever" feeling. I just hope that it won't be too bad because next week will be an important one for me ,and I don't need another half-arsed beginning to the week. That wouldn't be very good.
But moving on, my winter plans are pretty much up in the air right now. I had plans, but they were stymied by "mathematics." Apparently, I don't have the correct mathematics and therefore, I will have to re plan my winter. It's not very pleasant, I can assure you.
I finally got my term paper checked by the writing center today. The verdict? A well written paper, but with punctuation errors. I also learned what my writing style is like. Apparently, it is a complex blend of multiple sentences, all combined into one, to form a single sentence. This of course, is a dangerous thing, because while it does sound professional, it is very easy to get the punctuations wrong, and possibly have the meaning of the sentence misinterpreted. See what I mean? By the way, my title is Americans in Afghanistan: The mistakes that are being made by the American Military and why if allowed to go on, may cause them to lose the war on terror and indirectly reinstate the resurgent Taliban regime. The best part is, I'm allowed to say anything I want, any way I please. Cool eh? Imagine if I were to be in Malaysia and explain just how Singapore can launch a military campaign and conquer Malaysia in less than half a day? I'd be sent to prison under the ISA for destabilizing the society and causing unnecessary panic.
The weather has been rather complicated this past week. The first two days of the week saw heavy winds and low temperatures. By low, I mean around 10 to 16 Celsius, depending on the time of day. But the temperature isn't the devil. It is the wind. The wind just amplifies the cold and even a short walk out of the building can be a challenge, even with sweaters and jackets. Thankfully though, the cold front has passed and the temperatures will be in the high 16's to 20's without strong winds.
Oh, I've got a new addiction: Starbucks!
I'm running out of things to say already, so I guess I'll leave it as it is for the moment and hopefully I'd be able to come up with something more genius in the near future.
But moving on, my winter plans are pretty much up in the air right now. I had plans, but they were stymied by "mathematics." Apparently, I don't have the correct mathematics and therefore, I will have to re plan my winter. It's not very pleasant, I can assure you.
I finally got my term paper checked by the writing center today. The verdict? A well written paper, but with punctuation errors. I also learned what my writing style is like. Apparently, it is a complex blend of multiple sentences, all combined into one, to form a single sentence. This of course, is a dangerous thing, because while it does sound professional, it is very easy to get the punctuations wrong, and possibly have the meaning of the sentence misinterpreted. See what I mean? By the way, my title is Americans in Afghanistan: The mistakes that are being made by the American Military and why if allowed to go on, may cause them to lose the war on terror and indirectly reinstate the resurgent Taliban regime. The best part is, I'm allowed to say anything I want, any way I please. Cool eh? Imagine if I were to be in Malaysia and explain just how Singapore can launch a military campaign and conquer Malaysia in less than half a day? I'd be sent to prison under the ISA for destabilizing the society and causing unnecessary panic.
The weather has been rather complicated this past week. The first two days of the week saw heavy winds and low temperatures. By low, I mean around 10 to 16 Celsius, depending on the time of day. But the temperature isn't the devil. It is the wind. The wind just amplifies the cold and even a short walk out of the building can be a challenge, even with sweaters and jackets. Thankfully though, the cold front has passed and the temperatures will be in the high 16's to 20's without strong winds.
Oh, I've got a new addiction: Starbucks!
I'm running out of things to say already, so I guess I'll leave it as it is for the moment and hopefully I'd be able to come up with something more genius in the near future.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Update
Finally, the breakthrough that I've been looking for. The week started rather badly. My mistakes in time management over the weekend really left with a huge backlog of work and headaches. But thankfully I was able to get around them and ended up with a very relaxed day today. But with that said, I know that tomorrow will be a whole new challenge on its own and my "In" pile will be getting larger and larger. But hey, that's college life in particular and considering that my major isn't the most friendliest majors around, I'll have to deal with it.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
I Want A Holiday
I wish they had a week's worth of holiday starting tomorrow. I really need one right now. I've got so much to catch up on, so much to fix and I just don't feel like looking at books and numbers and concepts for now. But too bad, it's not going to happen.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Jacksonville Airshow
I went on another road trip, and I saw these.
The sun didn't shine but I managed to get one of my dream shots.
Look at how far we've come. From a world war two fighter to a modern day fighter jet.
F-15 Eagle. Not a single one of these have been lost in an aerial combat since it rolled out of the production facility.
It the first time where I was choked with so many different emotions as I took a picture. It was difficult not to feel them as the commentator narrated the history of the US Air Force, the wars that it has fought and is fighting and to all the men and women who have paid the ultimate price.
I want one! This truck is powered by two jet engines by the way.
When was the last time you saw a C-130 Hercules powered by its propellers, an additional 8 rockets and do a 45 degree climb?
The Blue Angels.
It was an awesome experience to watch my favorite fighter jets and warplanes do insane stunts. The Blue Angels were amazing and the rocket truck and the bombing runs were phenomenal. The Americans really know how to put on a good show.
Gosh... I can't wait for the next one on the 9th of November and this time I shall remember to bring spare batteries.
p.s. Sorry for the bad quality pictures. I still haven't found my way around shooting shots like these in an overcast weather.
The sun didn't shine but I managed to get one of my dream shots.
Look at how far we've come. From a world war two fighter to a modern day fighter jet.
F-15 Eagle. Not a single one of these have been lost in an aerial combat since it rolled out of the production facility.
It the first time where I was choked with so many different emotions as I took a picture. It was difficult not to feel them as the commentator narrated the history of the US Air Force, the wars that it has fought and is fighting and to all the men and women who have paid the ultimate price.
I want one! This truck is powered by two jet engines by the way.
When was the last time you saw a C-130 Hercules powered by its propellers, an additional 8 rockets and do a 45 degree climb?
The Blue Angels.
It was an awesome experience to watch my favorite fighter jets and warplanes do insane stunts. The Blue Angels were amazing and the rocket truck and the bombing runs were phenomenal. The Americans really know how to put on a good show.
Gosh... I can't wait for the next one on the 9th of November and this time I shall remember to bring spare batteries.
p.s. Sorry for the bad quality pictures. I still haven't found my way around shooting shots like these in an overcast weather.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Doesn't Remind Me
I walk the streets of Japan till I get lost
Cause it doesn't remind me of anything
With a graveyard tan carrying a cross
Cause it doesn't remind me of anything
I like studying faces in a parking lot
Cause it doesn't remind me of anything
I like driving backwards in the fog
Cause it doesn't remind me of anything.
The things that I've loved the things that I've lost
The things I've held sacred that I've dropped
I won't lie no more you can bet
I don't want to learn what I'll need to forget
I like gypsy moths and radio talk
Cause it doesn't remind me of anything
I like gospel music and canned applause
Cause it doesn't remind me of anything
I like colorful clothing in the sun
Cause it doesn't remind me of anything
I ilke hammering nails and speaking in tongues
Cause it doesn't remind me of anything
Bend and shape me
I love the way you are
Slow and sweetly
Like never before
Calm and sleeping
We won't stir up the past
So descretely
We won't look back
I like throwing my voice and breaking guitars
Cause it doesn't remind me of anything
I like playing in the sand what's mine is ours
If it doesn't remind me of anything
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Photography And Life
Long exposure shots are just like life itself. The longer the exposure, the more light and detail you capture. However, if you expose it for too long, you get overexposure and the excess light will drown the picture out. Too short an exposure will lead to underexposure and you might not get to see all the details as clearly as you would like.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
666
6 things I'm passionate about:
-Life
-People
-Photography
-Peace
-Freedom
-Flying
6 books I read recently:
-Globalization &World Politics
-Statics
-Calculus
-Technical Communication
-5 people I meet in Heaven
-Engineering Graphics
6 songs I can listen to over and over again:
Goo Goo Dolls - Here is gone
Alter Bridge - Blackbird
Michelle Branch - Breathe
Pearl Jam - Alive
Guns and Roses - November Rain
Eminem - Sing For The Moment
6 things I learnt this past year:
- Bullets
- Photography
- Don't get excited too fast, you might miss the bigger picture.
- Just because they say it, doesn't mean they are right.
- The only reason the sky is blue is because you think of it as being blue.
- The grass isn't always greener on the other side. That's why you bring your own paint along to make it greener.
6 valuable things I own:
- Laptop
- Money
- Jasmine
- Hard disk
- An education
- Life
6 bloggers I tag:
Any one who wants to do it...
-Life
-People
-Photography
-Peace
-Freedom
-Flying
6 books I read recently:
-Globalization &World Politics
-Statics
-Calculus
-Technical Communication
-5 people I meet in Heaven
-Engineering Graphics
6 songs I can listen to over and over again:
Goo Goo Dolls - Here is gone
Alter Bridge - Blackbird
Michelle Branch - Breathe
Pearl Jam - Alive
Guns and Roses - November Rain
Eminem - Sing For The Moment
6 things I learnt this past year:
- Bullets
- Photography
- Don't get excited too fast, you might miss the bigger picture.
- Just because they say it, doesn't mean they are right.
- The only reason the sky is blue is because you think of it as being blue.
- The grass isn't always greener on the other side. That's why you bring your own paint along to make it greener.
6 valuable things I own:
- Laptop
- Money
- Jasmine
- Hard disk
- An education
- Life
6 bloggers I tag:
Any one who wants to do it...
Monday, October 20, 2008
Tangled Web
Another long and busy week ahead.
p.s. I will blog and post more pictures of my trip when I have the time. It really is a long story.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Space Center
Today, I went on a roadtrip, and I saw these!
(p.s. the flag is 21 stories high and the blue part of the flag is as big as a basketball court)
I've now seen a space shuttle
I've now experienced the force of 4G's pulling and pushing on my body.
I've now seen the Saturn 5 rocket, the one that took men up to the moon.
Nuff said =)
(p.s. the flag is 21 stories high and the blue part of the flag is as big as a basketball court)
I've now seen a space shuttle
I've now experienced the force of 4G's pulling and pushing on my body.
I've now seen the Saturn 5 rocket, the one that took men up to the moon.
Nuff said =)
Friday, October 17, 2008
Mocha Frap
Ultimately, the only way we can ever measure reality is when we are physically present. When we can notice the language of our body and listen the voice of the eyes. Why is it so that the topic that I am currently researching has an uncanny resemblance and keeps reminding me and begging me to make connections with what happened not too long ago?
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
..
To go, or not to go.
1. Kenndy Space Center
- I have a test after the trip
2. Dragon Force
-I don't really like them, but tickets are cheap.
3. Coldplay
-Expensive.
1. Kenndy Space Center
- I have a test after the trip
2. Dragon Force
-I don't really like them, but tickets are cheap.
3. Coldplay
-Expensive.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Day At The Beach
Time for a wordy post. I don't know how long this post will be, but all I know is, I feel like ditching my Statics book aside, because I don't understand the problems and I don't feel like solving them. And, I can always research the Bay of Pigs later in the evening. Solved.
Anyways, I finally managed to go to the beach when the sun was at its best and when the skies were as blue as blue could get.And, I also managed to catch a movie while I was at it. Body of Lies, I don't know if it is screening in Malaysia, but if you ever get the chance, I highly recommend that you watch it. The plot is good and the acting even better.
How did we get there? Well, we cycled all the way from campus to the beach. Since I didn't have a bike, I borrowed Deep's. He was kind enough to let me use it, considering the fact that I had not used one in years. The bike ride from campus took about 40 minutes. And in that 40 minutes, I learnt quite abit about American drivers and the way the entire system operates. Generally, I was impressed with th way they respected pedestrians an cyclists. Some even offered us the right of way even though the green light shone for them. Of course, keeping our senses, Isaac, Nickie and myself chose not to accept their offers. We chose instead to stay by the road and to wait our turn to cross. Some things are just more important than catching a movie or going to the beach. However, I don't believe that I can say the same for my roommate and Ganesh. The way I saw it, they were as good as having a death wish. The amount of red traffic lights they beat, the way they sprinted across traffic, I really don't know how they have not landed in hospital or how I am not on the phone to give some bad news to their parents. I don't mean to be mean but, that is the way it was.
But apart from that, the cycling was rather interesting. We cycled past the street where they were having the Biketober fest. The biketober fest is where bikers, like the ones you see in the movies gather at Daytona Beach, park their choppers by the side of the streets and drink like there is no tomorrow. If you think that this is some sort of tourist attraction, like I thought before this, don't. Unless you look, walk, talk, act and drink like a biker, I highly suggest that you avoid places like these. I'll explain why later. But seriously, the amount of heavily tattooed bikers in leather jackets was mind boggling. Then we cycled past a few beach front hotels before we got to Ocean Walk. Ocean walk is a building facing the beach, joined to the hip of a few hotels. In it there are plenty of surf and beach shoppes, restaurants and a cinema.
Once we got there, we parked or bikes by the side of the road and secured them to a metal bench right under what looked like a palm tree. All in all, our bike ride took us about 40 minutes and by that time, my legs were already half dead. But thankfully, the cure lied just beyond the entrance to Ocean walk. The beach. But before I go on, one fact about the beaches at Daytona Beach. We rank second in the amount of shark attacks per year. Cheers!
We then went to buy tickets to our movies. But upon getting there, about 5 minutes before the movie started, the attendants told us that the movie were for those 21 and above and they didn't accept our student ID's. Apparently, it was because it didn't contain our date of births. However, we kept negotiating until they said that they had made a mistake and that the movie was for those aged 17 and above and we had to show them our Malaysian IC's before they let us in. But the downside was we missed the beginning of the movie and had to settle for the 7.40pm time slot, which was fine by me because, I had other plans. I had my K200D and my Tamron 70-300 with me!
I managed to take some good pictures of the beach side. Surprisingly, my camera wasn't having its mood swing and I managed to get some decent shots. I'll post them over facebook. Apparently, I've already used up 15 percent of my blogger capability. I didn't know that existed until just now.
After taking some pictures, I took my shoes off and took a walk down the beach. Like I said before, the beach itself wasn't that beautiful. But what made it interesting was the atmosphere that surrounded it. It was somewhat like a carnival with shoppes lined up, people walking around, and surfers plying their trade. But if you are expecting me to speak about ladies in skimpy attire, don't bother. There weren't much. I think I only saw two or three out of the many who were there.
I then sat by one of the beach chairs to absorb the sounds of the crashing waves. By that time, the sun was coming down and there were not as many people on the beach. It was very windy as well. That coupled with the sound of birds had a real calming effect. It was like this moment of peace where nothing else really mattered. It was just you, the beach and your senses. Everything else was just an ambient sound meant to enhance your experience and I enjoyed it.
After some time, the guys came around and we went for dinner. After dinner, we went to watch the movie and like I said earlier, the movie is a very good movie. It had a very powerful message and it served to poke fun at the American people for their lack of knowledge about the world beyond their borders and their lack of knowledge on other cultures and how to deal with them. Allow me to tell you what I read over CNN. One citizen said that she would not trust Obama because he was an Arab. I rest my case.
The difference between the cinema here and the ones we have back home is that, the ones back home look more polished and new. The ones here don't look impressive and the sound system can't compete with the ones back home. However, I liked the seats. They were spacious and they could be reclined.The popcorn was not too bad as well. I had mine with butter.
After the movie, we went down to get our bicycles. But when we got there, we found bird droppings on both mine and Nickie's bike. The ones on mine weren't much but Nickie, was unfortunate in a sense that he sat on top of them without knowing it.
Oh, when we were cycling back, we passed through the street which had the Biketober fest. When were passing by, we saw heaps of drunk bikers. All of them behaving like small kids and for once, I got slightly nervous. Some of them started taunting us and my worst fear was that drunk people don't often know what they are doing and when surrounded by so many like minded people who are drunk and would do just about anything to get laid... you get the picture. But the good thing was nothing untoward happened and we managed to get home safely. The bike ride home seemed a whole lot faster though, event though I took it slow. But that ride home showed me quite a bit on how I should not behave as a friend. Where I came from, I was taught that friends look out for one another and not behave selfishly. At least I'm glad that I've got one guy whom I can trust and rely on over here.
After we got home, I got something to eat and we went to Bryan's room to watch the Fuji Grand Prix at around 12.30 am. And the grand prix itself was both good and bad. If only Hamilton and Heikkihad not tried to win the race on the first lap, Kimi would have won. But anyways, that's all for now I guess.
Anyways, I finally managed to go to the beach when the sun was at its best and when the skies were as blue as blue could get.And, I also managed to catch a movie while I was at it. Body of Lies, I don't know if it is screening in Malaysia, but if you ever get the chance, I highly recommend that you watch it. The plot is good and the acting even better.
How did we get there? Well, we cycled all the way from campus to the beach. Since I didn't have a bike, I borrowed Deep's. He was kind enough to let me use it, considering the fact that I had not used one in years. The bike ride from campus took about 40 minutes. And in that 40 minutes, I learnt quite abit about American drivers and the way the entire system operates. Generally, I was impressed with th way they respected pedestrians an cyclists. Some even offered us the right of way even though the green light shone for them. Of course, keeping our senses, Isaac, Nickie and myself chose not to accept their offers. We chose instead to stay by the road and to wait our turn to cross. Some things are just more important than catching a movie or going to the beach. However, I don't believe that I can say the same for my roommate and Ganesh. The way I saw it, they were as good as having a death wish. The amount of red traffic lights they beat, the way they sprinted across traffic, I really don't know how they have not landed in hospital or how I am not on the phone to give some bad news to their parents. I don't mean to be mean but, that is the way it was.
But apart from that, the cycling was rather interesting. We cycled past the street where they were having the Biketober fest. The biketober fest is where bikers, like the ones you see in the movies gather at Daytona Beach, park their choppers by the side of the streets and drink like there is no tomorrow. If you think that this is some sort of tourist attraction, like I thought before this, don't. Unless you look, walk, talk, act and drink like a biker, I highly suggest that you avoid places like these. I'll explain why later. But seriously, the amount of heavily tattooed bikers in leather jackets was mind boggling. Then we cycled past a few beach front hotels before we got to Ocean Walk. Ocean walk is a building facing the beach, joined to the hip of a few hotels. In it there are plenty of surf and beach shoppes, restaurants and a cinema.
Once we got there, we parked or bikes by the side of the road and secured them to a metal bench right under what looked like a palm tree. All in all, our bike ride took us about 40 minutes and by that time, my legs were already half dead. But thankfully, the cure lied just beyond the entrance to Ocean walk. The beach. But before I go on, one fact about the beaches at Daytona Beach. We rank second in the amount of shark attacks per year. Cheers!
We then went to buy tickets to our movies. But upon getting there, about 5 minutes before the movie started, the attendants told us that the movie were for those 21 and above and they didn't accept our student ID's. Apparently, it was because it didn't contain our date of births. However, we kept negotiating until they said that they had made a mistake and that the movie was for those aged 17 and above and we had to show them our Malaysian IC's before they let us in. But the downside was we missed the beginning of the movie and had to settle for the 7.40pm time slot, which was fine by me because, I had other plans. I had my K200D and my Tamron 70-300 with me!
I managed to take some good pictures of the beach side. Surprisingly, my camera wasn't having its mood swing and I managed to get some decent shots. I'll post them over facebook. Apparently, I've already used up 15 percent of my blogger capability. I didn't know that existed until just now.
After taking some pictures, I took my shoes off and took a walk down the beach. Like I said before, the beach itself wasn't that beautiful. But what made it interesting was the atmosphere that surrounded it. It was somewhat like a carnival with shoppes lined up, people walking around, and surfers plying their trade. But if you are expecting me to speak about ladies in skimpy attire, don't bother. There weren't much. I think I only saw two or three out of the many who were there.
I then sat by one of the beach chairs to absorb the sounds of the crashing waves. By that time, the sun was coming down and there were not as many people on the beach. It was very windy as well. That coupled with the sound of birds had a real calming effect. It was like this moment of peace where nothing else really mattered. It was just you, the beach and your senses. Everything else was just an ambient sound meant to enhance your experience and I enjoyed it.
After some time, the guys came around and we went for dinner. After dinner, we went to watch the movie and like I said earlier, the movie is a very good movie. It had a very powerful message and it served to poke fun at the American people for their lack of knowledge about the world beyond their borders and their lack of knowledge on other cultures and how to deal with them. Allow me to tell you what I read over CNN. One citizen said that she would not trust Obama because he was an Arab. I rest my case.
The difference between the cinema here and the ones we have back home is that, the ones back home look more polished and new. The ones here don't look impressive and the sound system can't compete with the ones back home. However, I liked the seats. They were spacious and they could be reclined.The popcorn was not too bad as well. I had mine with butter.
After the movie, we went down to get our bicycles. But when we got there, we found bird droppings on both mine and Nickie's bike. The ones on mine weren't much but Nickie, was unfortunate in a sense that he sat on top of them without knowing it.
Oh, when we were cycling back, we passed through the street which had the Biketober fest. When were passing by, we saw heaps of drunk bikers. All of them behaving like small kids and for once, I got slightly nervous. Some of them started taunting us and my worst fear was that drunk people don't often know what they are doing and when surrounded by so many like minded people who are drunk and would do just about anything to get laid... you get the picture. But the good thing was nothing untoward happened and we managed to get home safely. The bike ride home seemed a whole lot faster though, event though I took it slow. But that ride home showed me quite a bit on how I should not behave as a friend. Where I came from, I was taught that friends look out for one another and not behave selfishly. At least I'm glad that I've got one guy whom I can trust and rely on over here.
After we got home, I got something to eat and we went to Bryan's room to watch the Fuji Grand Prix at around 12.30 am. And the grand prix itself was both good and bad. If only Hamilton and Heikkihad not tried to win the race on the first lap, Kimi would have won. But anyways, that's all for now I guess.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Silent Prayers
For he said, "My children, raise your arms and defend my honor for I shall grant you an eternity of human paradise in the realms of my lair. Spread my message to those and for those who turn upon you a deaf ear, you have upon you my will to draw blood and to make an example of themselves for all to see."
And so said the king of the neighboring kingdom,"Our father wills it. Let us draw blood or face an eternity of suffering in the fires of hell."
And so they started, a war destined to last for thousands of years. A war based om the whims of philosophy. A war yet to end. A war without human justification.
*photo taken off cnn.com
Friday, October 10, 2008
I Miss That Feeling
I'm feeling very Clarkson right now. And there's only one thing that feed my insatiable feeling. I need a lot of horsepower housed inside some of the most beautiful things in the world. In other words, I need an SLR Mclaren, all the petrol in the world and 252 miles of Autobahn to cure my itch.
I remember the days when I had something to drive around in and they were probably some of the best moments of my entire life. Cruising down the highway trying to put everyone else in my rear view mirrors, pushing just that little harder in a corner, wrestling with the car when the road is wet, shoving other drivers out of your way or just taking a slow cruise down the roads; they were all extremely therapeutic. Even the occasional finger to the idiot and trying to put the behaviour of less than optimum drivers into phrases...well, they were...educational. The whole feeling of being in the drivers seat, is simply like being the king of your own land. It's a time where you get to think and reflect on all that is going on around you. Its a time where you screw the police and you dictate your own policies. Everybody else, is just another car, another driver meant to be overtaken, sped past and have your dust put all over their faces.
But these days, I just don't seem to have that feeling anymore. I have no control over anything. Not even a bicycle or even a bloody skateboard for Clarkson's sake. And in a land where cars are cheaper than beer, that is a sin. A cardinal sin.
Now I understand why cars were invented. And for those of you who say that it was invented simply just to get from point A to point B, you need to get your heads checked.
I remember the days when I had something to drive around in and they were probably some of the best moments of my entire life. Cruising down the highway trying to put everyone else in my rear view mirrors, pushing just that little harder in a corner, wrestling with the car when the road is wet, shoving other drivers out of your way or just taking a slow cruise down the roads; they were all extremely therapeutic. Even the occasional finger to the idiot and trying to put the behaviour of less than optimum drivers into phrases...well, they were...educational. The whole feeling of being in the drivers seat, is simply like being the king of your own land. It's a time where you get to think and reflect on all that is going on around you. Its a time where you screw the police and you dictate your own policies. Everybody else, is just another car, another driver meant to be overtaken, sped past and have your dust put all over their faces.
But these days, I just don't seem to have that feeling anymore. I have no control over anything. Not even a bicycle or even a bloody skateboard for Clarkson's sake. And in a land where cars are cheaper than beer, that is a sin. A cardinal sin.
Now I understand why cars were invented. And for those of you who say that it was invented simply just to get from point A to point B, you need to get your heads checked.
Update
This is me, surrounded by a throng of people, all of them looking out from the glass doors of the library. A tornado warning has just been issued and we are all barred from leaving the library. Off I go to watch the tornado. I'll blog about it later.
(Update)
I just got this off the internet.
I'm now watching the developing storm in front of a glass panel overlooking the main entrance to college. Again, there's a small viewing party here. All intent on feasting their eyes on a possible tornado.
(Update)
I just got this off the internet.
I'm now watching the developing storm in front of a glass panel overlooking the main entrance to college. Again, there's a small viewing party here. All intent on feasting their eyes on a possible tornado.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
The Folk
Seek not to be high above the ones who gave you life. The actions of one with a mind of gratitude should be the core of your manners. Know not to put down but to enlighten. A silent speech does nothing but harm. For all they are trying to do, is to give you a hand in the only way that they know.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Old Memories
While taking a break from studying calculus, I went on the internet and found this by chance. It is a really old video of me standing in for one of Ping Fuan's band mates. If I am not mistaken, this was taken around 2006.
The good ol' times...
The good ol' times...
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Dimacid
The muslims just ended their fasting period. But now, it is my turn to start fasting and the worst part is, it is not my choice. The doctor told me that all I can eat for the next three days are light snacks. No heavy meals. And right now, I feel terrible. My stomach is killing me and the Dimacid tablets are not making me feel good.
Life is just terrible when you're unwell and away from home. In that sense, Malaysia rocks.
Life is just terrible when you're unwell and away from home. In that sense, Malaysia rocks.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Face of The Moon
29 days ago, I said that I'd capture your face 29 days later. But 29 days have come and gone, but yet, I haven't captured your face the way I've always dreamed of doing. Everytime you pose for me, I always have one excuse or another as to why I am ill equipped to capture you. I guess its true that the little things always add up and tell me why I haven't gotten hold of the big things yet.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Power Of The Slippers
Do not underestimate the power of the flip flop slippers. People wearing them can score two goals in a futsal match where everyone else wears shoes. =p
Before I Sleep
Now that I have finally gotten some space to myself, I think that it is only appropriate that I put my thoughts down in a place where I have always been comfortable doing so.
For the most part, it has been difficult to say how my week went but if I had to sum it up in a sentence, I would say that I've had a rather mixed week. Some days were good, and some days just seemed like a drag. Most of the time I lacked inspiration and direction, which explains why my behaviour has been rather erratic over the past few days. It was very difficult to predict the way in which I would handle situations. Sometimes I would make good decisions but for the majority of the time, I would end up making bad ones, which has left not only myself frustrated but leaving some of my friends baffled because I either didn't say what I was supposed to or behaved in a way which would have made a difference in their lives. In short, I know that I have heavily disappointed some of the people that I really care about and I would really like to take this moment to extend a word of apology to them. But I know that on some cases, this is probably not enough.
But moving on, my experience living on my own in a foreign land, and adapting to a whole new system of education has made me reflect on much of what has been going on. One thing in general noticed about myself is that I'm too tolerant towards situations and people who tend to get in my nerves. Instead of telling them what I really think, I tend to just try to wait it out and see if it gets any better. Sometimes it does, but most of the time it doesn't and I end up getting less than I bargained for. I don't know why I have chosen to walk down this path many times, even though I have a great dislike for it. Perhaps, it really is just who I am. Someone who is willing to give up so many things just so that peace can be maintained. I know, this isn't the best way. Theodore Roosevelt once said, "If I were to choose between peace and righteousness, I would chose righteousness." What should I do?
Humans, there are many of them. Each with their own distinct personality. It is the one who is able to understand all of them, who will become the king of humanity, the bridge between gaps and the teacher towards all. However, such a spectacle exists as much as the brightest star in the night sky. There can only be so very few at once.
Therefore, be truthful to the ones who seek to engage and solve. As much as they would like to be, not everyone are good mind readers.
For the most part, it has been difficult to say how my week went but if I had to sum it up in a sentence, I would say that I've had a rather mixed week. Some days were good, and some days just seemed like a drag. Most of the time I lacked inspiration and direction, which explains why my behaviour has been rather erratic over the past few days. It was very difficult to predict the way in which I would handle situations. Sometimes I would make good decisions but for the majority of the time, I would end up making bad ones, which has left not only myself frustrated but leaving some of my friends baffled because I either didn't say what I was supposed to or behaved in a way which would have made a difference in their lives. In short, I know that I have heavily disappointed some of the people that I really care about and I would really like to take this moment to extend a word of apology to them. But I know that on some cases, this is probably not enough.
But moving on, my experience living on my own in a foreign land, and adapting to a whole new system of education has made me reflect on much of what has been going on. One thing in general noticed about myself is that I'm too tolerant towards situations and people who tend to get in my nerves. Instead of telling them what I really think, I tend to just try to wait it out and see if it gets any better. Sometimes it does, but most of the time it doesn't and I end up getting less than I bargained for. I don't know why I have chosen to walk down this path many times, even though I have a great dislike for it. Perhaps, it really is just who I am. Someone who is willing to give up so many things just so that peace can be maintained. I know, this isn't the best way. Theodore Roosevelt once said, "If I were to choose between peace and righteousness, I would chose righteousness." What should I do?
Humans, there are many of them. Each with their own distinct personality. It is the one who is able to understand all of them, who will become the king of humanity, the bridge between gaps and the teacher towards all. However, such a spectacle exists as much as the brightest star in the night sky. There can only be so very few at once.
Therefore, be truthful to the ones who seek to engage and solve. As much as they would like to be, not everyone are good mind readers.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Weapons Tower
This is why I love CATIA. You don't need to have drawing skills like this fella to come up with works of art.
I'm really looking forward to this Thursday.
Its in Georgia!!!!!!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Believe
I sit alone and watch the clock
Tryin to collect my thoughts
All I think about is you
And so I cry myseld to sleep
And hope the devil I don't meet
In the Dreams that I live through
Believe in me
I know you've waited for so long
Believe in me
Sometimes the weak become the strong
Believe in me
This life is not always what it seems
Believe in me
Cause I was made for chasing dreams
All the smiles you've had to fake
And all the bullshit you've had to take
Just to lead us here again
I never have the things to say
To make it all just go away
To make it all just disapear
It's my life
It's my choice
Hear my words
Hear my voice
So just believe
I sit alone and watch the clock
Tryin to collect my thoughts
I'll I think about is you
If you believe in me
Life not always what it seems
Believe in me
Cause I was made for chasing dreams.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Debate
What a debate!
I just watched the presidential debate over CNN a couple of minutes ago and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was 90 minutes of pure political enjoyment. I thought that the debate went really well and it was a very close one. However, I did feel that both candidates avoided answering certain questions directly, perhaps out of fear of jeopardizing their respective campaigns. For instance, both candidates pretty much went round the bush when they were asked what their positions were on the 700 billion dollar bailout that President Bush put forward to congress. And I must admit that right now, among the average Americans, it is a very unpopular decision. However, I am of the opinion that it is essential that the bailout be given a green light only if it done under the correct terms. Yes, I agree that 700 billion dollars is a a whole lot of money but if we don't pump it in now or in regulated stages, we're definitely going to be in a worse position, economically, in the future.
About the war in Iraq, I feel that it is important to continue funding to the troops with a mission to withdraw them when security, political and economical situations are stable enough. However, I also feel that less emphasis should be given in Iraq where as it is, conditions are becoming better. But instead, it would be wiser to put more emphasis on the war in Afghanistan where the Taliban are getting stronger and more brazen by the day.
I'm still undecided on tax positions. But I tend to lean towards Obama's idea of having tax breaks for the middle class while increasing tax towards the rich.
But apart from that, I think that the debate was an absolute cracker and I can't wait for the vice presidential debate coming up this Thursday between Palin and Biden. It should be an interesting one as well.
I just watched the presidential debate over CNN a couple of minutes ago and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was 90 minutes of pure political enjoyment. I thought that the debate went really well and it was a very close one. However, I did feel that both candidates avoided answering certain questions directly, perhaps out of fear of jeopardizing their respective campaigns. For instance, both candidates pretty much went round the bush when they were asked what their positions were on the 700 billion dollar bailout that President Bush put forward to congress. And I must admit that right now, among the average Americans, it is a very unpopular decision. However, I am of the opinion that it is essential that the bailout be given a green light only if it done under the correct terms. Yes, I agree that 700 billion dollars is a a whole lot of money but if we don't pump it in now or in regulated stages, we're definitely going to be in a worse position, economically, in the future.
About the war in Iraq, I feel that it is important to continue funding to the troops with a mission to withdraw them when security, political and economical situations are stable enough. However, I also feel that less emphasis should be given in Iraq where as it is, conditions are becoming better. But instead, it would be wiser to put more emphasis on the war in Afghanistan where the Taliban are getting stronger and more brazen by the day.
I'm still undecided on tax positions. But I tend to lean towards Obama's idea of having tax breaks for the middle class while increasing tax towards the rich.
But apart from that, I think that the debate was an absolute cracker and I can't wait for the vice presidential debate coming up this Thursday between Palin and Biden. It should be an interesting one as well.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Home
Its amazing how you can learn new things when you listen to someone and explore other options.
Hint: If things go well, something nice might happen in 3 months time. Something even better will follow in 6 months time. I can only hope that I get the necessary seals of approval.
Hint: If things go well, something nice might happen in 3 months time. Something even better will follow in 6 months time. I can only hope that I get the necessary seals of approval.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Under The Floodlights
This has got to be the most awesome simulation video that I've ever seen. Check it out, for those of you whom like myself won't be there.
I just can't wait to see the real thing over television this weekend.
I just can't wait to see the real thing over television this weekend.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
I Miss You
I wish for only one thing right now. Take everything else away from me, I don't care. I just want my guitar.
Slide
Could you whisper in my ear
The things you wanna feel
I'll give you anything
To feel it comin'
Do you wake up on your own
And wonder where you are
You live with all your faults
I wanna wake up where you are
I won't say anything at all
So why don't you slide
Yeah we're gonna let it, slide
Don't you love the life you killed
The priest is on the phone
Your father hit the wall
Your ma disowned you
Don't suppose I'll ever know
What it means to be a man
Something I can't change
I'll live around it
And I'll do anything you ever
Dreamed to be complete
Little pieces of the nothing that fall
May put your arms around me
What you feel is what you are
And what you are is beautiful
May do you wanna get married
Or run away
And I'll do anything you ever
Dreamed to be complete
Little pieces of the nothing that fall
May put your arms around me
What you feel is what you are
And what you are is beautiful
May do you wanna get married
Or run away
Goo Goo Dolls
The things you wanna feel
I'll give you anything
To feel it comin'
Do you wake up on your own
And wonder where you are
You live with all your faults
I wanna wake up where you are
I won't say anything at all
So why don't you slide
Yeah we're gonna let it, slide
Don't you love the life you killed
The priest is on the phone
Your father hit the wall
Your ma disowned you
Don't suppose I'll ever know
What it means to be a man
Something I can't change
I'll live around it
And I'll do anything you ever
Dreamed to be complete
Little pieces of the nothing that fall
May put your arms around me
What you feel is what you are
And what you are is beautiful
May do you wanna get married
Or run away
And I'll do anything you ever
Dreamed to be complete
Little pieces of the nothing that fall
May put your arms around me
What you feel is what you are
And what you are is beautiful
May do you wanna get married
Or run away
Goo Goo Dolls
Monday, September 22, 2008
Stuff I Did
Before I started typing this, I was thinking about what should the first sentence of this post be because I really don't know how to sum my weekend up. One side of the corner wants me to say just how uncomfortable and unproductive the weekend was while the other corner urges me to look at the positive side and rethink all the good times and positive thoughts that I experienced througout the weekend. While I tend to want to agree with a little bit of what both sides of the absolutes have to say, I'm also very inclined to want to take a sort of "sitting on top of the fence view" about my weekend.
Well, in case you're starting to ask questions, let me just clarify that nothing bad happened to me personally, but certain circumstances which I have found myself being embroiled in just didn't make me feel all that good about myself and the way which I have gone about doing what I had set out to do during the previous days made me judge myself as being more of an ambitious thinker than someone who really goes and gets things done. For one, I blamed the lack of activity on the humidity. Yes, it is true that I have been completely uncomfortable all weekend long due to the strange humidity around the place. My room feels damp, the air outside is hot, and everything just makes me want to get out of here and go somewhere else. Somewhere fun. And as a result of all that lack of activity and will power, I just feel like a pointless being.
But now that I have gotten that out of my chest, I think it is only appropriate to reflect on the good things that happened during the weekends. On friday, I had a good time with my suitemate whom I don't really know so well. We live next door to each other and share a lavatory but we didn't make much of an effort to get to know each other. I have spoken to him before but it usually ends after a few sentences or when one of us has to go and do someting else. But it is funny to think about it. I was eating my dinner and all of a sudden he comes in saying that his roommate had left for the weekend and that he had locked himself out and that he wanted my help to get back in. The moment he said that I just burst ou laughing. I then told him, "Dude, I'll finish my dinner and I'll come help you out." I was with Devon and Nickie at that time. Then Callum came in and he asked me what happened. I told him and he started laughing. The other guys then started joking about it. But we were cool about it. Then after dinner, I walked with him to his room and on the way, I learned that he had a Playstation 3 in his room. And the first thing I said to him was, "Dude, you are now my best friend." And we pretty much played Warhawk until about 10.00. Then we watched Comedy Central. The jokes were insane. I would love to tell them now but it might offend a few people. Then at around 11 or so, I went back to my room, came online for a while then went to bed.
The next evening, I went over to Diego's room and he made me a very nice drink. What he did was he took a huge plastic cup, filled it three quarters wine and topped it off with coke. I said to him, are you crazy? No one mixes coke with wine. He then said, try it. And try it I did. It was amazing. I ended up downing two whole cups of it. I tried not to drink a second cup. But Gauthier (pronounced as Gu-tierre insisted that I finish it. Then Sean came in and asked if I had wanted to join a few navy dudes for a game of pool. We went to this place called Waldo's something. I can't remember the name. But we had a great time. I really look up to men and women in uniform because I feel that these people worked really hard and went up against difficult obstacles to earn their right to wear a uniform. And their genuine passion to serve their country really amazes me. We played till about 1 am, then we boarded a taxi back. And in the taxi, the driver asked us one question, "So who would you guys want to be our next president?" I immediately said, Obama. The rest gave their views on on the presidential battle and the Bush years. I just sat there listening. But it was fun to see how different people argued for what they thought was right. And it also mad me realize, Americans are not as bad as what people back home think they are. I think that they are very nice people. Yes, for sure, you will get a few bad hats but I think this happens everywhere. Even in Malaysia.
Another good thing was that I was able to hear Baka's voice again. Altough the line was pretty bad and I couldn't make out most of the words, but it was fun.
But now that the weekends are over, I guess its back to the weekdays for me. Of course, there wil be new challenges and I am going to meet every single one of them with the best possible mindset.
p.s. Obama was down at Daytona Beach yesterday, but I didn't know about it....
Well, in case you're starting to ask questions, let me just clarify that nothing bad happened to me personally, but certain circumstances which I have found myself being embroiled in just didn't make me feel all that good about myself and the way which I have gone about doing what I had set out to do during the previous days made me judge myself as being more of an ambitious thinker than someone who really goes and gets things done. For one, I blamed the lack of activity on the humidity. Yes, it is true that I have been completely uncomfortable all weekend long due to the strange humidity around the place. My room feels damp, the air outside is hot, and everything just makes me want to get out of here and go somewhere else. Somewhere fun. And as a result of all that lack of activity and will power, I just feel like a pointless being.
But now that I have gotten that out of my chest, I think it is only appropriate to reflect on the good things that happened during the weekends. On friday, I had a good time with my suitemate whom I don't really know so well. We live next door to each other and share a lavatory but we didn't make much of an effort to get to know each other. I have spoken to him before but it usually ends after a few sentences or when one of us has to go and do someting else. But it is funny to think about it. I was eating my dinner and all of a sudden he comes in saying that his roommate had left for the weekend and that he had locked himself out and that he wanted my help to get back in. The moment he said that I just burst ou laughing. I then told him, "Dude, I'll finish my dinner and I'll come help you out." I was with Devon and Nickie at that time. Then Callum came in and he asked me what happened. I told him and he started laughing. The other guys then started joking about it. But we were cool about it. Then after dinner, I walked with him to his room and on the way, I learned that he had a Playstation 3 in his room. And the first thing I said to him was, "Dude, you are now my best friend." And we pretty much played Warhawk until about 10.00. Then we watched Comedy Central. The jokes were insane. I would love to tell them now but it might offend a few people. Then at around 11 or so, I went back to my room, came online for a while then went to bed.
The next evening, I went over to Diego's room and he made me a very nice drink. What he did was he took a huge plastic cup, filled it three quarters wine and topped it off with coke. I said to him, are you crazy? No one mixes coke with wine. He then said, try it. And try it I did. It was amazing. I ended up downing two whole cups of it. I tried not to drink a second cup. But Gauthier (pronounced as Gu-tierre insisted that I finish it. Then Sean came in and asked if I had wanted to join a few navy dudes for a game of pool. We went to this place called Waldo's something. I can't remember the name. But we had a great time. I really look up to men and women in uniform because I feel that these people worked really hard and went up against difficult obstacles to earn their right to wear a uniform. And their genuine passion to serve their country really amazes me. We played till about 1 am, then we boarded a taxi back. And in the taxi, the driver asked us one question, "So who would you guys want to be our next president?" I immediately said, Obama. The rest gave their views on on the presidential battle and the Bush years. I just sat there listening. But it was fun to see how different people argued for what they thought was right. And it also mad me realize, Americans are not as bad as what people back home think they are. I think that they are very nice people. Yes, for sure, you will get a few bad hats but I think this happens everywhere. Even in Malaysia.
Another good thing was that I was able to hear Baka's voice again. Altough the line was pretty bad and I couldn't make out most of the words, but it was fun.
But now that the weekends are over, I guess its back to the weekdays for me. Of course, there wil be new challenges and I am going to meet every single one of them with the best possible mindset.
p.s. Obama was down at Daytona Beach yesterday, but I didn't know about it....
Sunday, September 21, 2008
In Your Eyes
Your eyes, they are like those of a femme fatale.
Your eyes, they are like the two sides of a coin.
Your eyes, I keep dreaming of them.
Your eyes, I never could understand them.
Your eyes, I never felt sure of them.
Your eyes, I want to conquer them.
In my dreams, you behave lika a queen with no sense. A diva. But in reality, you are much different. You are humble on the outside. But on the inside, I am never sure. We have too many layers that cover who we really are and you are no different. At least, I hope not. For you are too perfect to be tainted by flaws.
Your eyes, they are like the two sides of a coin.
Your eyes, I keep dreaming of them.
Your eyes, I never could understand them.
Your eyes, I never felt sure of them.
Your eyes, I want to conquer them.
In my dreams, you behave lika a queen with no sense. A diva. But in reality, you are much different. You are humble on the outside. But on the inside, I am never sure. We have too many layers that cover who we really are and you are no different. At least, I hope not. For you are too perfect to be tainted by flaws.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Finally...
...It's up
Thanks Rachel for the awesome banner. The colors remind me of the Malaysian flag =P
Thanks Rachel for the awesome banner. The colors remind me of the Malaysian flag =P
Saya
I enjoy the freedom of being able to have emotions, feelings and memories. I love being able to look at reminders and think of people. I love listening to songs that remind me.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Staticized
This is just awesome. It's 8.37 in the evening and here I am, blogging from the library. I've been here since 2.30 and I only left at around 6.30 to have my dinner and now I'm back again and I'd most probably leave at around 11 o'clock.
Yes, I really do have a whole lot of work that needs completing. Finally I'm starting to feel like a college student. Bring it on!
Yes, I really do have a whole lot of work that needs completing. Finally I'm starting to feel like a college student. Bring it on!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Speed Demon
This was one of the videos that I loved as a kid. I used to sing and dance to it in front of the television. It's a really cool song and the video clip for it is just as funny.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 1
Part 2
Monday, September 15, 2008
Piper Cub
Fixing an aeroplane is not easy work! The plethora of parts that make up an airplane would make you want to saw your head off from the headache it gave you.
I headed down to New Smyrna Beach airport today with Jeff and Nick from the Sport Aviation Club. I told Nick the previous day that I had wanted to come down and work on the Piper Cub that they were restoring. (That plane was bought in 1946. It is almost 68 years old!).
Moving on, when we got to the airfield, I was led to a hangar which stored the Cub and in there was a guy by the name of Warren. He used to work on airplanes such as the Extra 300, but now he is doing something else and only works on the weekends to help the club with the Cub. So, I introduced myself to him, and he gave me a slight tour of the hangar and its planes. Explaining things to me as we went on. We hav two cubs. One didn't have an engine and the other one was completely taken apart to be restored. But soon, it was work time and the first order of the day was to clean up the hangar as it was very, very messy. And when I mean messy, I mean frogs, big bugs, and all sorts of things making a living in the hangar. Warren said they found a huge spider while working on the plane last week.
So, first we rolled one of our Cubs out onto the tarmac. Then we repositioned the fuselage and the wings of the other cub. Then, came the best part. We had to start sweeping the hangar. Mind you, I'm not very handy with a broom. But after some good sweeping, we managed to clear the hangar and it looked impressively neat.
Then, Jeff and Nick went to do an oil change on our flagship plane in the next hangar, the Pitt S-2B,an aerobatic aircraft. And that red and white airplane is a beauty. Its one of the main reasons why I joined the club. I want to be able to fly that plane one day. Warren then led me to the Cub and gave me my first task which was to clean the tubular frame of te airplane. He wanted me to clean the plane up with MEK, a rather strong chemical. We needed to remove the old glue from the tubes so that we will be able to do more work on the plane. And after a good wiping, and many torn gloves (I was told to change my gloves the moment I saw any holes in them), I got the job done. But that was pretty much all I did for the day because by the time I finished, the sun was already up and in a few moments, it would be shining right into our hangar. And a midday Florida sun is like putting yourself into an oven. It is that hot here. So after doing a few more things, we called it a day. Jeff, Nick and myself headed for McDonalds while Warren went to do some flying.
The McDonalds here isn't very impressive. I had to wait for about 10 minutes for my burger. Back home, 2 minutes was the most. And when I got it, I was rather disappointed. It looked scrawny. It really is ironic because here I am at the home of McD's and it wasn't what I thought it ought to be. Sigh... I miss Malaysian McD's.
My new favorite club =)
p.s. Congrat's to Vettel and Torro Rosso. What an amazing job!
I headed down to New Smyrna Beach airport today with Jeff and Nick from the Sport Aviation Club. I told Nick the previous day that I had wanted to come down and work on the Piper Cub that they were restoring. (That plane was bought in 1946. It is almost 68 years old!).
Moving on, when we got to the airfield, I was led to a hangar which stored the Cub and in there was a guy by the name of Warren. He used to work on airplanes such as the Extra 300, but now he is doing something else and only works on the weekends to help the club with the Cub. So, I introduced myself to him, and he gave me a slight tour of the hangar and its planes. Explaining things to me as we went on. We hav two cubs. One didn't have an engine and the other one was completely taken apart to be restored. But soon, it was work time and the first order of the day was to clean up the hangar as it was very, very messy. And when I mean messy, I mean frogs, big bugs, and all sorts of things making a living in the hangar. Warren said they found a huge spider while working on the plane last week.
So, first we rolled one of our Cubs out onto the tarmac. Then we repositioned the fuselage and the wings of the other cub. Then, came the best part. We had to start sweeping the hangar. Mind you, I'm not very handy with a broom. But after some good sweeping, we managed to clear the hangar and it looked impressively neat.
Then, Jeff and Nick went to do an oil change on our flagship plane in the next hangar, the Pitt S-2B,an aerobatic aircraft. And that red and white airplane is a beauty. Its one of the main reasons why I joined the club. I want to be able to fly that plane one day. Warren then led me to the Cub and gave me my first task which was to clean the tubular frame of te airplane. He wanted me to clean the plane up with MEK, a rather strong chemical. We needed to remove the old glue from the tubes so that we will be able to do more work on the plane. And after a good wiping, and many torn gloves (I was told to change my gloves the moment I saw any holes in them), I got the job done. But that was pretty much all I did for the day because by the time I finished, the sun was already up and in a few moments, it would be shining right into our hangar. And a midday Florida sun is like putting yourself into an oven. It is that hot here. So after doing a few more things, we called it a day. Jeff, Nick and myself headed for McDonalds while Warren went to do some flying.
The McDonalds here isn't very impressive. I had to wait for about 10 minutes for my burger. Back home, 2 minutes was the most. And when I got it, I was rather disappointed. It looked scrawny. It really is ironic because here I am at the home of McD's and it wasn't what I thought it ought to be. Sigh... I miss Malaysian McD's.
My new favorite club =)
p.s. Congrat's to Vettel and Torro Rosso. What an amazing job!
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